• 97% of Apple shareholders voted against a proposal to eliminate the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
• CEO Tim Cook reaffirmed Apple’s commitment to diversity but acknowledged the company may need to adjust its programs to comply with evolving U.S. legal standards.
• The vote follows a broader corporate trend as some companies scale back DEI initiatives in response to legal challenges and political scrutiny.

Apple Shareholders Reject Proposal to End DEI Programs

Apple shareholders overwhelmingly voted against a proposal urging the company to scrap its DEI policies. The resolution, filed by the conservative think tank National Center for Public Policy Research, cited legal risks and changing U.S. regulations.

Shareholders Stand by DEI

Despite recent political and legal scrutiny of corporate DEI programs, Apple’s board urged shareholders to reject the proposal, emphasizing that the company has a strong compliance framework. The resolution was defeated, with 97% of votes cast against it.

CEO Tim Cook reinforced Apple’s commitment to diversity, stating:

“Our strength has always come from hiring the very best people and then providing a culture of collaboration, one where people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together to innovate and create something magical for our users.”

However, he acknowledged that legal shifts might require modifications to Apple’s diversity efforts:

“As the legal landscape around this issue evolves, we may need to make some changes to comply, but our north star of dignity and respect for everyone and our work to that end will never waver.”

A Broader DEI Debate

The vote comes amid increased scrutiny of corporate DEI policies, following the Supreme Court’s ruling against Harvard’s affirmative action criteria and political actions, such as former President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting DEI preferences in federal contracting.

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During a pre-recorded presentation, Stefan Padfield, Executive Director of the think tank’s Free Enterprise Project, argued that Apple’s DEI programs could expose the company to litigation, stating:

“The vibe shift is clear: DEI is out and merit is in.”

However, Apple has maintained that fostering diversity aligns with its business strategy.

Looking Ahead

Apple’s DEI initiatives include its Supplier Diversity Program and policies that integrate diversity considerations into employee performance reviews. While legal and political challenges may shape corporate approaches to DEI, Apple’s leadership signaled a commitment to maintaining diversity as a business priority.

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