Apple has called on its shareholders to vote against a proposal that would eliminate the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, as other major tech companies scale back similar initiatives ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House.
The proposal, put forward by conservative think tank National Center for Public Policy Research, claims that DEI efforts expose Apple to potential litigation, reputational damage, and financial risks. Shareholders will vote on this matter at Apple's annual general meeting scheduled for February 25.
In its notice to shareholders, Apple's board strongly recommends voting against the proposal, stating that the company already has appropriate compliance procedures in place. The board argues that the proposal would inappropriately restrict Apple's ability to manage its business operations, teams, and strategies.
DEI programs are designed to create an inclusive workplace environment that supports employees of all backgrounds, including different ethnicities, social classes, sexual orientations, and genders.
This development comes as other tech giants retreat from their DEI commitments. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently announced the immediate termination of its DEI programs, citing changes in the US legal and policy landscape. Similarly, Amazon revealed plans to wind down its diversity initiatives, describing them as "outdated programs."
The push to eliminate these programs reflects growing tension around workplace diversity initiatives in the tech sector, particularly as companies prepare for potential policy shifts under a new administration.
Apple's stance marks a notable contrast to its peers, as the company maintains its commitment to workplace diversity despite mounting pressure from conservative groups and changing industry dynamics.