Civil liberties

Apple Shareholders Reject Proposal to End DEI Programs

FEB 25 2025·Updated FEB 26 2025

Story

Above: The Apple Fifth Avenue store in New York Image credit: Michael Nagle/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Facts

Apple shareholders on Tuesday voted against a proposal to terminate the company's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives during their annual meeting. More than 98% of shareholders opposed the measure.
Forbes
The proposal was submitted by the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank, which argued that DEI programs pose litigation, reputational, and financial risks to companies and their shareholders.
Business Insider
FOX News
Apple's board had previously recommended that shareholders vote against the proposal, stating it inappropriately attempted to restrict Apple's ability to manage its own business operations and strategies.
USA Today
Business Insider
Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that while Apple may need to adjust its diversity program as the legal landscape changes, the company has never had quotas or targets in its hiring process.
Yahoo! News
UPI
This vote comes amid a broader national debate about corporate DEI initiatives, with several major companies — including Meta, Alphabet, and Microsoft — recently scaling back their diversity programs.
Business Insider
Forbes

Sources Split

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The Spin

Progressive narrative

DEI programs are essential for success and innovation, creating a culture where diverse perspectives drive better outcomes. These initiatives have helped companies, including Apple, maintain their competitive edge. A diverse workforce leads to better decision-making and improved financial performance.

Quartz

Forbes

Conservative narrative

DEI programs represent forced diversity that discriminates against certain demographic groups and exposes companies to significant legal and financial risks. These initiatives are increasingly out of step with recent court rulings while potentially violating merit-based hiring principles.

FOX News