Apple board resists call to roll back Diversity Efforts

Apple's board has urged investors to reject a proposal to eliminate its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

This comes after the conservative group, the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), called for the tech giant to end its DEI policies, arguing that they expose companies to "litigation, reputational, and financial risks."

Apple's directors argue that the NCPPR's proposal is unnecessary, as the company already has proper checks and balances in place.

Other major US companies, including Meta and Amazon, have scaled back their DEI programs ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House this month, who has been a vocal critic of such policies.

“The Proposal is unnecessary as Apple already has a well-established compliance program,” the firm’s filling to the investors said.

Apple's board also said the DEI rollback plan "inappropriately seeks to micromanage the Company's programs and policies by suggesting a specific means of legal compliance."
NCPPR's proposal will be put to a vote by shareholders at Apple's annual general meeting on February 25.

Conservative groups have threatened legal action against major companies over their DEI programs, arguing that these policies conflict with a 2023 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in universities.

Last week, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, became the latest US firm to scale back its DEI initiatives, joining a growing list of major companies such as Amazon, Walmart, and McDonald's.

In a memo to staff regarding the decision, which impacts hiring, supplier, and training efforts, Meta cited a "shifting legal and policy landscape."

The company also referenced the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been working to mend ties with Trump since his November election. The company has donated $1 million to the President-elect's inauguration fund, appointed a Republican as its public affairs chief, and announced the removal of fact-checkers from Meta's social media platforms.

Zuckerberg is not the only top executive making such moves, as many are facing growing pressure from conservative groups.