Apple shareholders rely on diversity: DEI programs remain!

Apple shareholders rely on diversity: DEI programs remain!

On February 25, 2025, there was an important procedure during the annual general meeting of Apple when the shareholders rejected a controversial claim that aimed to abolish the programs for diversity, equality and inclusion (dei) implemented by the company. The proposal was brought in by the conservative think factory for public policy research, which argued that such programs could promote discriminatory practices and endanger the success of the company. Despite this pressure, Apple confirmed the importance of its DEI initiatives, which manifest itself in various areas of business, including support groups and solutions for people with disabilities.

The vote in which Apple did not publish a precise voting text is summarized in a later regulatory submission. Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, emphasizes that a various workforce not only represents a moral obligation, but also specifically contributes to corporate performance. He also confirmed that the company may have to adapt the DEI programs to react to changes in the legal environment, while at the same time a culture of belonging is promoted.

Resistance to the programs

The rejection of the proposal strengthens Apple's position in the current debate about DEI initiatives, which are increasingly in focus under the influence of conservative groups. In recent years, an increase in initiatives has to be observed that aim to reject DEI programs or to change significantly. This happened after many companies had known for social justice in the course of the protests against racial equality in 2020 and strengthened their efforts. However, the pressure is growing: leading companies in the technology industry, including Alphabet, Meta Platforms and Microsoft, have recently reduced similar programs.

The Executive Director of the National Center for Public Policy Research, Stefan Padfield, described Apple's DEI initiatives as problematic and warned of possible legal consequences that could result from the latest judgments. Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, recently initiated legal steps against Target, with it claimed that the departure from DEI initiatives has harmed sales and profits.

Current developments in the investor landscape

These developments are in the context of a broader discussion about the role of diversity in larger corporate strategies. In particular, the non-governmental programs, including anti-ESG suggestions, are increasingly experiencing support from conservative circles. The number of DEI decisions has recently decreased, from 129 proposals in 2022 to 106 suggestions in 2023.

An analysis shows that large investors such as Blackrock, Vanguard and State Street return their support for DEI suggestions. This could provide some companies with additional challenges when it comes to convincing their investors influencing their sustainability and ethics programs. The complexity of the current investor landscape requires companies not only compliance with legal requirements, but also a constant adaptation of their strategies with regard to social expectations that DEI programs are legally harmless.

The future orientation of companies such as Apple in relation to DEI initiatives remains questionable. In view of the growing resistance on the part of conservative activists and the changed coordination behavior of major investors, it will be crucial how companies will react to legal, social and economic challenges in the future.

For more information on these topics, we refer to the reporting of Business Insider and Harvard Law School Forum .