.png)
.png)
Apple, one of the world’s most valuable technology companies, is resisting mounting pressure to abandon its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, reaffirming that fostering “a culture of belonging” remains a fundamental principle of the organization.
While federal agencies have swiftly dismantled DEI initiatives following President Donald Trump’s executive order on January 20, major corporations have followed suit by scaling back DEI departments, eliminating diversity hiring targets, and discontinuing supplier diversity programs. Among tech giants, Meta, Google, and Amazon have each outlined adjustments to their DEI commitments in internal memos, with Google explicitly citing the need to comply with Trump’s executive order as a federal contractor.
However, Apple is taking a different path—one that could carry significant implications across the corporate landscape.
In its latest proxy filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Apple’s board has advised against supporting a proposal from the conservative think tank, the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), which seeks to dismantle the company’s inclusion and diversity initiatives, including related policies, departments, and goals.
“Last year, the US Supreme Court ruled in SFFA v. Harvard that discriminating on the basis of race in college admissions violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment,” the NCPPR stated in its proposal. “Since SFFA, a number of DEI-related lawsuits have been filed. … It’s clear that DEI poses litigation, reputational, and financial risks to companies, and therefore financial risks to their shareholders.”
Apple pushed back against the proposal, asserting in its board’s statement: “The proposal is unnecessary as Apple already has a well-established compliance program. The proposal also inappropriately attempts to restrict Apple’s ability to manage its own ordinary business operations, people and teams, and business strategies.”
James D. White, former chairman, president, and CEO of Jamba Juice (now Jamba), emphasized the long-term significance of Apple’s decision. “This moment in time is just that: a moment in time. The companies that are true to their values and have long-standing values, like Apple, will be sustainable over time. And I think that’s what [Apple’s board] is banking on.”
Apple shareholders will cast their votes on the anti-DEI proposal during the company’s annual meeting on February 25, 2025.
CEO Tim Cook, a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a member of the community himself, has been vocal about his commitment to inclusivity. He made history as the first Fortune 500 CEO to publicly come out as gay in October 2014, publishing an essay in Bloomberg Businessweek in which he affirmed his dedication to human rights and equality. “The company I am so fortunate to lead has long advocated for human rights and equality for all,” Cook wrote at the time. “… I will personally continue to advocate for equality for all people until my toes point up.”
Apple’s decision to uphold its DEI commitments stands out amid a broader retreat from such initiatives within Big Tech. White and his daughter Krista White, co-authors of Anti-Racist Leadership, noted the long-term impact this stance could have.
“If we go five years forward and look back on this moment we’re sitting in, history will record the companies that were true to their values. They will be benefited by stronger retention and much greater attraction, especially as we think about the future generations of potential employees,” said James White.
Krista White added, “Leadership courage and the steadfastness to be bold as a leader have always been a hallmark of great versus good leaders. It calls to mind an Anaïs Nin quote: ‘And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.’ A lot of people are afraid to speak out, and their question is, ‘What happens if I speak out?’
“People need to wonder, ‘What happens if I don’t?’”
Apple’s Inclusion & Diversity program underscores the company’s commitment to accountability at all levels, stating, “Because belonging takes us all.” As of 2022, the company’s workforce comprised 57.9% non-white employees globally, according to the most recent data available on its website.
With a workforce of over 164,000 full-time employees worldwide and a market valuation exceeding $3.5 trillion, Apple remains the most valuable company in the world by market capitalization as of Wednesday.
Apple is not alone in maintaining its DEI efforts. Other major corporations, including retail giant Costco and financial services powerhouse JPMorgan Chase, continue to uphold their commitments to diversity, even as political and legal challenges mount.
By fLEXI tEAM