Apple shareholders have rejected an attempt to pressure the company into abandoning its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, despite President Donald Trump’s push to do so. The proposal, drafted by the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank, urged Apple to follow in the footsteps of other companies that have recently scaled back their diversity programs in response to the Trump administration’s scrutiny.
However, after a brief presentation on the proposal, Apple announced that 97% of shareholders had voted against it. This outcome has vindicated Apple’s management decision to stand behind its diversity commitment, even as the Trump administration investigates whether these programs discriminate against employees based on race or gender.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has maintained a cordial relationship with Trump since his first term in office, which has helped the company avoid tariffs on its iPhones made in China. In a recent meeting between Cook and Trump, Apple announced a $500 billion investment in the US and the creation of 20,000 new jobs over the next four years – a move that was praised by the president.
This shareholder vote comes just a month after a similar proposal was presented at Costco’s annual meeting, where it was also overwhelmingly rejected. Despite this, the National Center for Public Policy Research has not been deterred and continues to confront companies about their diversity programs. In a pre-recorded presentation, the think tank’s executive director, Stefan Padfield, claimed that “forced diversity is bad for business.”
Padfield went on to criticize Apple’s diversity commitments, stating that they are not in line with recent court rulings and could potentially expose the company to lawsuits for discrimination. He also pointed to the Trump administration as a possible legal adversary for Apple.
However, the specter of potential legal trouble was heightened last week when Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a federal lawsuit against Target, alleging that their scaled-back diversity program had alienated consumers and harmed shareholders. Despite this, Apple, like Costco, believes that fostering a diverse workforce is beneficial for business.
During the shareholder meeting, Cook acknowledged that Apple may need to make adjustments to its diversity program as the legal landscape changes. However, he also emphasized the importance of maintaining a culture of belonging at Apple, which has contributed to the company’s success and current market value of $3.7 trillion – making it the most valuable company in the world.
“We will continue to create a culture of belonging,” Cook assured shareholders.
In its most recent diversity and inclusion report, Apple revealed that nearly three-fourths of its global workforce consists of white and Asian employees, with men making up two-thirds of the workforce. This trend is not unique to Apple, as many major technology companies have struggled to diversify their workforce, particularly in high-paying engineering roles.
Despite these challenges, the tech industry has been making efforts to promote diversity and inclusion for years, with varying levels of success. Apple’s commitment to diversity is not only a reflection of its values but also a smart business decision. By fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, Apple can tap into a wider range of perspectives and ideas, leading to better products and services for its customers.
In conclusion, Apple’s rejection of the anti-DEI proposal is a testament to the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, even in the face of political pressure. By standing behind its values and creating a culture of belonging, Apple is not only setting an example for other companies but also positioning itself for continued success in the future.
