Apple’s board of directors has come out against a proposal that seeks to end the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
In a proxy filing, the company said the National Center for Public Policy Research (a conservative think tank) is submitting a proposal for Apple to “consider repealing the inclusion and diversity program, policies, department and goals.”
The think tank’s proposal contends that DEI programs could make companies vulnerable to lawsuits, citing the Supreme Court’s recent ruling against race-based affirmative action at colleges and noting that other companies have eliminated or reduce similar programs. (Meta recently eliminated its DEI programs, and Amazon is reportedly pulling back, too.)
Apple, however, said the proposal is “unnecessary” because the company “already has a compliance program” that would presumably keep it out of legal trouble. The document also criticizes the proposal because it “inappropriately seeks to micromanage the Company’s programs and policies.”
The company also said it strives to “create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work.”
