Apple shareholders have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to dismantle the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The vote in favor of rejection was 97%. The proposal came from the conservative National Center for Public Policy Research. It urged Apple to follow other corporations that are retreating from DEI under pressure from the Trump administration. Apple quickly dismissed the suggestion. Out CEO Tim Cook reaffirmed the company’s commitment to diversity while acknowledging possible adjustments due to legal challenges. Stefan Padfield, from the National Center for Public Policy Research, claimed Apple’s DEI policies could lead to lawsuits. He said
“The vibe shift is clear: DEI is out and merit is in.”
Apple’s move mirrors Costco’s, which also rejected a similar proposal last month. Despite legal threats, both companies insist diversity strengthens their businesses. Cook remains firm, saying, “We will continue to create a culture of belonging.” Apple’s diversity report shows most employees are white or Asian men. Apple, valued at $3.7 trillion, argues inclusivity benefits both workers and the bottom line. LGBTQ activists argue that recent DEI elimination decisions by Walmart, Target, Ford and others should put the issue to a vote from Shareholders. For example, this week Florida’s Governor DeSantis and his newly appointed Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Target for having Pride merchandise in stores. Their argument is that it hurts shareholders violating SEC disclosure rules. Scholars suggest that Apple shareholder overwhelming endorsement of DEI is what would have happened for those businesses.
