Apple is pushing back against a proposal by the National Center for Public Policy Research to abolish its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies, citing existing checks and balances as sufficient.
Apple Pushes Back Against Call to End Diversity Programme
A proposal by a conservative group, the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), has called on Apple to abolish its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. The NCPPR claims that these policies expose firms to “litigation, reputational and financial risks.” However, Apple’s board of directors has asked investors to vote against this proposal, citing the company’s existing checks and balances as sufficient.
The Growing Trend of DEI Rollbacks
Other major US companies, including Meta and Amazon, have recently rolled back their DEI initiatives ahead of Donald Trump‘s return to the White House. This move is seen as a response to Trump’s criticism of DEI policies. The trend suggests that companies are becoming increasingly cautious in light of potential backlash from conservative groups.
Apple’s Response
In its filing to investors, Apple stated that the proposal is “unnecessary” as the company already has a well-established compliance program in place. The board also expressed concerns that the NCPPR’s proposal would “inappropriately seek to micromanage the Company’s programs and policies by suggesting a specific means of legal compliance.” This response highlights Apple’s confidence in its existing DEI measures.
The Impact on Diversity Initiatives
The proposed rollback of Apple’s DEI programmes could have significant implications for diversity initiatives within the company. If successful, this move would likely follow other major US companies that have recently scaled back their DEI efforts. The impact on these initiatives is still uncertain, and it remains to be seen how Apple will navigate this complex issue.
A Shifting Legal Landscape
Conservative groups have threatened to take legal action against major companies over their DEI programmes, citing a Supreme Court decision in 2023 against affirmative action at universities. This threat has led some companies to reconsider their DEI policies and adjust their approaches accordingly. The situation remains fluid, with no clear outcome yet apparent.
Reconciliation Efforts
Meta’s boss, Mark Zuckerberg, has been making efforts to reconcile with Trump since his election in November. These moves include donating $1m (£820,000) to the President-elect’s inauguration fund, hiring a Republican as his public affairs chief, and removing fact-checkers from Meta’s social media platforms. Similar efforts are being made by other top executives, suggesting that companies are seeking to maintain good relations with Trump in light of mounting pressure from conservative groups.
