Apple shareholders on Tuesday rejected a proposal to end the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program.

According to CNBC, a proposal submitted by the National Center for Public Policy Research was voted down at Apple’s annual shareholder meeting.

Per CNBC:

The proposal pushed Apple to cease its diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, and it cited CNBC reporting that found companies such as Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft and Zoom were rolling back their diversity programs. It requested that Apple get rid of its program, policies, department and goals, contending that diversity programs may discriminate and that the compliance risk threatens Apple’s bottom line.

“The risks to Apple stemming from continuing to push these divisive and value-destroying agendas is only increasing in light of President Trump’s recent executive order focusing the Department of Justice on rooting out illegal discrimination being carried out in the name of DEI,” NCPPR Executive Director Stefan Padfield said at the meeting. “The vibe shift is clear. DEI is out, and merit is in.”

Apple opposed the measure, saying it’s already compliant with employment laws and that the proposal inappropriately seeks to micromanage the company’s programs.

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“Our strength has always come from hiring the very best people and then providing a culture of collaboration, one where people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together to innovate and create something magical for our users,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said.

Despite opposing the measure, Cook did warn that the legal landscape around diversity issues may force Apple to make changes.

“APPLE SHOULD GET RID OF DEI RULES, NOT JUST MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THEM. DEI WAS A HOAX THAT HAS BEEN VERY BAD FOR OUR COUNTRY. DEI IS GONE!!!” President Trump commented.

From the New York Post:

Trump’s post appeared to be a direct response to remarks at the shareholder meeting by Apple CEO Tim Cook, who acknowledged the company could adjust its DEI plans even as he expressed support for the initiatives.

“As the legal landscape around these issues evolves, we may need to make some changes to comply, but our North Star of dignity and respect for everyone and our work to that end will never waver,” Cook said.

A shareholder group called the National Center for Public Policy Research had called on Apple to eliminate DEI initiatives, arguing that the company could face legal liability due to the Trump administration’s effort to crack down on them.

“The risks to Apple stemming from continuing to push these divisive and value-destroying agendas is only increasing in light of President Trump’s recent executive order focusing the Department of Justice on rooting out illegal discrimination being carried out in the name of DEI,” NCPPR Executive Director Stefan Padfield said at the meeting, according to CNBC.

“The vibe shift is clear. DEI is out, and merit is in,” Padfield added.

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Apple pushed back on the proposal, arguing it was already in compliance with the relevant labor laws.

Trump targeted Apple just two days after the company committed to spend $500 billion toward the US economy and hire 20,000 new employees over the next four years.

 

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