Apple’s board of directors has come out against a proposal that seeks to end the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
on a proxy filingThe company said that the National Center for Public Policy Research (a conservative think tank) submitted a proposal for Apple to “consider eliminating its Inclusion & Diversity program, policies, departments and goals. “
The think tank’s proposal claims that DEI programs will make companies vulnerable to lawsuits, saying the recent decision of the Supreme Court against race-based affirmative action in colleges and noted that other companies have eliminated or reduced similar programs. (Most recently, Meta has eliminated its DEI programsand the Amazon reportedly pulled out as well.)
Apple, however, said the proposal was “unnecessary” because the company “has a well-established compliance program” that would likely keep it out of legal trouble. The filing also criticized the proposal because it “improperly seeks to govern the Company’s programs and policies.”
The company also said it strives “to create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work.”