**Apple Shareholders Support DEI Initiatives Despite Pushback**
On Tuesday, Apple shareholders decisively voted to sustain the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, turning down a proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) aimed at abolishing them. As anticipated, former President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome.
During the annual shareholder meeting at Apple, the proposal from the NCPPR garnered just 210.45 million votes in favor, contrasted by 8.84 billion votes against it. The conservative think tank contended that DEI initiatives carry legal, financial, and reputational risks and could breach companies’ duties to their shareholders. Nonetheless, Apple’s shareholders aligned with the board’s recommendation to dismiss the proposal.
### **Apple Advocates for DEI Initiatives**
In its **proxy statement**, Apple characterized the proposal as unwarranted, highlighting that the organization already boasts a robust compliance program. “The proposal inappropriately seeks to limit Apple’s capacity to manage its own regular business operations, personnel and teams, and business strategies,” the company articulated.
Apple CEO Tim Cook reiterated the company’s dedication to DEI, asserting that although Apple does not impose quotas or hiring targets, the creation of a diverse and inclusive workplace remains a fundamental principle. “Our strength has consistently derived from recruiting the very best talent and nurturing a culture of collaboration,” Cook remarked.
Cook also acknowledged that changing legal frameworks may necessitate adjustments to Apple’s policies in the future. “As the legal environment surrounding these matters changes, adaptations may be required for compliance,” he stated. “We will continue collaborating to drive a culture of belonging and uphold the values that have defined us.”
As of 2022, Apple indicated that nearly 65% of its global workforce is male, with 42% identifying as white, 30% as Asian, 15% as Hispanic/Latinx, and 9% as Black.
### **NCPPR’s Wider Anti-DEI Movement**
The NCPPR has put forth similar proposals to over twenty companies, including Airbnb and General Motors. Earlier this year, Costco shareholders similarly rejected an anti-DEI proposal from the organization.
### **Trump Criticizes Apple’s Decision**
After the vote, Trump took to his social media platform, **Truth Social**, to air his grievances. “APPLE SHOULD ABOLISH DEI RULES, NOT JUST MODIFY THEM,” he declared. “DEI WAS A HOAX THAT HAS HARMED OUR COUNTRY. DEI IS FINISHED!!!”
Since taking office, Trump has prioritized the elimination of DEI initiatives. One of his first executive orders dissolved all federal DEI programs, and although this directive mainly impacted government agencies, major tech firms have also been scaling back their diversity initiatives.
### **Tech Sector’s Move Away from DEI**
Recently, several leading tech companies have acted to diminish or eradicate DEI programs:
– **Meta** terminated its DEI initiatives before Trump’s inauguration and revised its content policies to permit more controversial discussions.
– **Amazon** revealed that it was “winding down” certain DEI programs and excluded references to diversity and inclusion from its most recent annual report.
– **Google** eliminated its diverse hiring targets and rescinded its commitment against utilizing AI for weaponry or surveillance.
Despite these industry trends, Apple shareholders have opted to uphold the company’s DEI pledges—at least for the time being.