Apple, AAPL, board opposes proposal to abolish DEI programs

Apple's board of directors has opposed a proposal aimed at ending the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

According to a proxy filing, the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank, has submitted a proposal urging Apple to "consider abolishing its Inclusion & Diversity program, policies, department, and goals."

The proposal argues that DEI programs may expose companies to legal risks, referencing the Supreme Court’s recent decision against race-based affirmative action in college admissions. It also notes that other corporations, such as Meta and Amazon, have recently scaled back or eliminated similar programs.

Apple dismissed the proposal as “unnecessary,” stating that the company already has a “well-established compliance program” to mitigate legal risks. The filing further criticized the proposal, asserting that it “inappropriately seeks to micromanage the Company’s programs and policies.”

Apple reiterated its commitment to fostering “a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work.”