Apple’s board of directors is against a proposal that aims to terminate the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
In a proxy filing, the company stated that the National Center for Public Policy Research (a conservative think tank) is presenting a proposal for Apple to consider ending its Inclusion & Diversity program, policies, department, and goals.
The proposal from the think tank argues that DEI programs could expose companies to legal risks, referencing the recent Supreme Court decision against race-based affirmative action in colleges and highlighting that other companies have either reduced or eliminated similar programs. (For instance, Meta has done away with its DEI programs, and Amazon is reportedly scaling back as well.)
Apple, on the other hand, believes the proposal is unnecessary because the company already has a robust compliance program in place that should prevent legal issues. The filing also criticizes the proposal for attempting to overly control the company’s programs and policies.
The company also emphasized its commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity where everyone can perform at their best.
