How Apple Responded to a Proposal to End DEI Programmes

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Apple directors say the proposal is unnecessary given they are an equal opportunity employer
Apple asks investors to vote against a NCPPR proposal to scrap its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, as tech competitors roll back schemes

Tech giant Apple has asked its investors to vote against a proposal to end its DEI programmes, according to a report by the company.

The news comes after the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) called on Apple to abolish its DEI policies, stating they expose businesses to “litigation, reputational and financial risks”. 

Apple directors have responded saying that such a proposal is unnecessary because the company has appropriate measures in place.

“The proposal is unnecessary as Apple already has a well-established compliance programme,” Apple commented via its response. “The proposal also inappropriately attempts to restrict Apple's ability to manage its own ordinary business operations, people and teams and business strategies.”

It adds: “Apple is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training, or promoting on any basis protected by law.”

Preparing for Trump’s return

The proposal comes as Apple’s technology competitors are supporting similar schemes ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Historically, Donald Trump has been heavily critical of DEI policies.

President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office again on 20th January 2025

NCPPR, a conservative think-tank, believes that DEI programmes could expose companies to lawsuits. To Apple, it cited the recent Supreme Court ruling against race-based affirmative action in colleges, whilst also noting that Apple’s competitors had done the same with DEI programmes.

Leading US tech companies, including Meta and Amazon, have rolled back their DEI programmes. Amazon announced earlier in the month that it was winding down its diversity programmes, referring to them as “outdated” in a memo to its staff. Likewise, NCPPR states to Apple that Alphabet, Microsoft and Zoom have laid off their entire DEI teams.

In response, Apple has asked its investors not to support the proposal, stating it is unnecessary given Apple’s already well-established compliance programme.

Apple employee demographics (according to its website):
  • Gender: 64.6% male, 35.4% female (global)
  • Race: 29.8% Asian, 9.2% Black, 14.9% Hispanic/Latinx, 0.7% Indigenous, 3.2% Multiracial, 42.1% White (US)

“The proposal inappropriately attempts to restrict Apple's ability to manage its own ordinary business operations, people and teams and business strategies,” Apple’s report says.

“At Apple, we believe that how we conduct ourselves is as critical to Apple's success as making the best products in the world. We seek to conduct business ethically, honestly, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and our Business Conduct and Compliance policies are foundational to how we do business.

“We strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work.”

Ensuring equal opportunity

Apple states that it seeks to operate in compliance with applicable non-discrimination laws, both in the US and other jurisdictions around the world where it operates. As a result, the tech company states the proposal from NCPPR attempts to “micromanage” the company’s programmes and policies.

Meta is already rolling back its DEI programmes

NCPPR's proposal is set to be put to a vote by shareholders at Apple's annual general meeting on 25th February 2025.

DEI is a set of principles designed to make sure that people of varying backgrounds, including socio-economic class, race, gender and physical ability, feel supported and safe. In the workplace, these initiatives are meant to ensure every worker is supported in the same way.

Such programmes have become a critical part of strategy within businesses, yet have recently come under scrutiny in places like the US. Conservative groups have threatened to take legal action against major companies over their DEI programmes, saying such policies are at odds with a Supreme Court decision in 2023 against affirmative action at universities.

Companies like Meta have also rolled back other policies in 2025 already, including ousting its independent face-checkers to avoid what Mark Zuckerberg referred to as ‘censorship’.

Mark Zuckerberg also suggested that its third-party moderators were “too politically biased” - a comment which comes as he and other big tech execs seek to improve relations with US President-elect Donald Trump ahead of its inauguration on 20th January 2025.


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