Apple’s board has called on investors to vote against a proposal to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Following a conservative group, the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) called on the technology giant to scrap its DEI policies, saying they would expose the firms to “litigation, reputational and financial risks”. Make a mask.
Apple directors say the NCPPR proposal was unnecessary because the company has adequate checks and balances in place.
Other major U.S. firms, including Meta and Amazon, have scaled back DEI programs ahead of the return to the White House this month of Donald Trump, who has been a vocal critic of DEI’s policies.
“This proposal is unnecessary because Apple already has a well-established compliance program.” The firm’s filing to investors said.
Apple’s board also said the DEI rollback plan “seeks to micromanage the company’s programs and policies by inappropriately prescribing a specific means of legal compliance.”
The NCPPR proposal will be put to a vote by shareholders at Apple’s annual general meeting on February 25.
Conservative groups have threatened to take legal action against major companies over their DEI programs, saying such policies conflict with a 2023 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action at universities.
Last week, the owner of Facebook became Meta. The latest US company to roll back its DEI initiatives.Joining a growing list of big firms that includes Amazon, Walmart and McDonald’s.
In a memo to staff about the decision — which affects hiring, supplier and training efforts — Metta cited “legal and policy changes.”
He also referred to the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action.
Metta’s boss, Mark Zuckerberg, has been pushing for a rapprochement with Trump since his election in November.
The firm has donated $1m (£820,000). President-elect’s inaugural fund, Hired a Republican as his public affairs chief. And what is the announcement? Getting rid of fact checkers on Meta’s social media platforms.
Mr. Zuckerberg is not alone in making such moves in the face of mounting pressure from conservative groups.