Apple shareholders reject outside proposal to end DEI programs

Core Viewpoint - Apple shareholders rejected a proposal to abolish its Inclusion & Diversity program, indicating continued investor support for the company's diversity initiatives [1][2]. Group 1: Proposal Details - The proposal aimed to end Apple's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, citing reports of other companies like Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Zoom scaling back their diversity efforts [2]. - The National Center for Public Policy Research argued that diversity programs could lead to discrimination and pose compliance risks that might negatively impact Apple's financial performance [2][3]. Group 2: Company Response - Apple opposed the proposal, asserting that it complies with employment laws and that the proposal attempts to micromanage its internal programs [3]. - CEO Tim Cook emphasized that Apple's strength lies in hiring top talent and fostering a collaborative culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives [4]. Group 3: Industry Context - The corporate landscape has seen a reduction in diversity programs, particularly following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions [5]. - Major companies such as Amazon, McDonald's, Target, Ford, Lowe's, and Walmart have either abandoned or scaled back their DEI initiatives [5]. Group 4: Current Workforce Demographics - As of 2022, nearly two-thirds of Apple's workforce is male, with 35% female representation. Additionally, 42% of employees are white, and 30% are Asian [6].