Apple shareholders have decisively rejected an initiative aimed at pressuring the technology giant to abandon its corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The proposal, put forward by the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank, sought to align Apple with other high-profile companies that have recently retreated from their diversity commitments.
During a recent shareholder meeting, the proposal was swiftly dismissed after a brief presentation by Stefan Padfield, executive director of the think tank’s Free Enterprise Project. Padfield argued that “forced diversity is bad for business,” and claimed that Apple’s DEI initiatives could expose the company to potential lawsuits for alleged discrimination.
Despite the vocal criticism, Apple CEO Tim Cook reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering a diverse workforce, stating, “We will continue to create a culture of belonging.”
This rejection comes as the Trump administration elevates its focus on corporate DEI programs, with the U.S. Department of Justice investigating whether such initiatives discriminate against employees whose race or gender do not align with their goals. Recently, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a federal lawsuit against Target for alienating consumers and harming shareholder interests due to changes in its DEI strategy.
Apple’s steadfastness is notable, particularly given its recent announcement of a $500 billion investment in the U.S. and the creation of 20,000 new jobs over the next five years, a move that garnered praise from President Trump. This investment comes after a meeting between Cook and Trump, where the two discussed various issues, including tariffs on iPhones manufactured in China.
In its 2022 diversity report, Apple revealed that nearly 75% of its global workforce comprises white and Asian employees, with two-thirds being men. This demographic trend reflects a broader challenge within the technology industry, which has struggled to diversify its workforce, particularly in high-paid engineering roles.
