Apple Shareholders Overwhelmingly Reject Anti-DEI Proposal

Apple reaffirmed its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at its annual shareholder meeting on Tuesday, with 97 percent of shareholders voting against a proposal aimed at dismantling the company’s DEI initiatives, according to a public filing.

The proposal to eliminate Apple's DEI program was put forth by the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), a conservative think tank. A pre-recorded statement from Stefan Padfield, executive director of the NCPPR’s Free Enterprise Project, was played during the meeting to support the initiative. Padfield emphasized the legal risks associated with discrimination “carried out in the name of DEI” and its potential negative impact on corporate culture. He referenced a Rutgers University study that suggested diversity training could foster division and hostility and cited President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order as an additional reason for heightened risk.

“The vibe shift is clear: DEI is out and merit is in,” Padfield’s statement concluded.

Despite these arguments, the overwhelming majority of shareholders aligned with Apple’s board, which had advised voting against the proposal in its Jan. 10 proxy filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Following the shareholder vote, CEO Tim Cook addressed a question about Apple's commitment to DEI.

“As the legal landscape around these issues evolves, we may need to make some changes to comply, but our north star of dignity and respect for everyone and our work to that end will never waver,” Cook stated. As a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a member of the community himself, Cook reinforced Apple’s dedication to inclusivity.

“We will continue to work together to create a culture of belonging, where everyone can do their best work, and will remain committed to the values that have always made us who we are,” he added.

During the meeting, shareholders also overwhelmingly reappointed Apple’s Board of Directors, including Cook.

In response to the vote, Padfield maintained that Apple’s leadership had an obligation to maximize shareholder value, stating via email, “Apple’s management has a duty to maximize shareholder value, and our proposal is consistent with that duty. The fact that possibly biased, conflicted, or misled shareholders disagree with us doesn’t make us wrong.”

Former President Donald Trump, in direct opposition to Cook’s stance on DEI, criticized Apple’s decision. “Apple should get rid of DEI rules, not just make adjustments to them,” he wrote in a post Wednesday on Truth Social. “DEI was a hoax that has been very bad for our country. DEI is gone!!!”

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Trump’s statement, and the White House did not provide additional context on the matter.

By fLEXI tEAM