Apple Shareholders Likely to Uphold DEI Initiatives Despite National Backlash

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Apple shareholders are expected to reject a proposal aimed at scrapping the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives despite broader national backlash. The proposal, led by the National Center for Public Policy Research, claims DEI programs pose legal and financial risks, but Apple defends them as vital to its $3.7 trillion market value. Similar anti-DEI efforts at companies like Costco have failed to gain traction.

FILE – An Apple logo adorns the facade of the downtown Brooklyn Apple store on March 14, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)

Apple’s DEI Programs Quick Looks

Apple’s shareholders set to vote Tuesday on proposal to end DEI programs
National Center for Public Policy Research argues DEI creates legal risks
Apple defends DEI efforts, citing positive business and cultural impacts
Florida’s attorney general sues Target over its scaled-back DEI initiatives
Nearly 75% of Apple’s workforce is white and Asian; two-thirds are men
Costco shareholders overwhelmingly rejected similar anti-DEI proposal last month
Apple maintains DEI fosters innovation and market leadership

Apple Shareholders Likely to Uphold DEI Initiatives Despite National Backlash

Deep Look

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple shareholders are expected to reject an anti-DEI proposal Tuesday that seeks to eliminate the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, despite mounting pressure from conservative groups and political leaders.

The proposal, introduced by the National Center for Public Policy Research—a conservative think tank—calls on Apple to follow other corporations retreating from DEI initiatives amid growing political scrutiny.

“It’s clear that DEI poses litigation, reputational and financial risks,” the group’s proposal states, warning that up to 50,000 Apple employees could potentially sue for discrimination. (The group did not explain how it calculated that figure.)

Apple’s Firm Stand on DEI

Apple, valued at a record-breaking $3.7 trillion, countered the proposal, describing its DEI efforts as integral to its global success.

“How we conduct ourselves is as critical to Apple’s success as making the best products in the world,” the company said in its rebuttal. “We seek to conduct business ethically, honestly, and in compliance with applicable laws.”

Apple’s leadership insists that its commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce drives innovation and financial performance—a sentiment echoed by other major tech companies.

Broader Backlash and Legal Challenges

The anti-DEI push isn’t limited to Apple. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier recently sued Target, claiming the retailer’s DEI efforts alienated consumers and hurt shareholder value.

Meanwhile, Costco shareholders overwhelmingly rejected a similar anti-DEI proposal in January, suggesting that investors remain largely supportive of corporate diversity programs.

Workforce Demographics and Industry Trends

According to Apple’s latest diversity report (2022):

Nearly 75% of global employees are white or Asian
Two-thirds of Apple’s workforce are men
Senior technical roles remain dominated by white and Asian men

These figures mirror broader tech industry trends, where diversification efforts have yielded slow progress, particularly in high-paying engineering roles.

“Tech companies have long struggled to reflect the diversity of their customer base,” said tech analyst Maria Lopez. “DEI programs remain crucial to closing that gap.”

What’s at Stake for Apple?

While anti-DEI activists argue legal risks, Apple and its supporters highlight that inclusive work environments:
Enhance creativity and innovation
Improve employee retention
Expand market reach to diverse consumers

Investors are also weighing potential reputational damage if Apple were to scale back DEI efforts—a concern especially relevant amid a polarized political climate.