Apple braces for DEI showdown at annual shareholder meeting

Core Viewpoint - Apple is preparing to defend its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies against shareholder criticism at its annual meeting, where a vote on a motion to cease DEI efforts is expected [1][7] Group 1: Shareholder Meeting and Proposals - The National Center for Public Policy Research has proposed a motion to end Apple's DEI initiatives, citing legal concerns from US Supreme Court cases [2] - Apple plans to oppose this motion, arguing it restricts the company's operational management [2][7] - Shareholder proposals against ESG policies, including DEI, have historically received little support in votes over the past three years [6] Group 2: Industry Context and Comparisons - Other tech companies, such as Meta, Google, and Amazon, have recently rolled back their DEI initiatives, citing changes in the legal and policy landscape [3][4] - Apple's commitment to DEI stands out as it continues to support these initiatives while many peers are stepping back [5] Group 3: Future Plans and Investments - Apple announced plans to hire approximately 20,000 employees over the next four years as part of a broader investment commitment exceeding $500 billion [5]