The National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) has urged Apple to abolish its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies due to "litigation, reputational and financial risks". While Apple maintains its stance on DEI, other tech giants like Google have begun reconsidering their commitments. Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai, previously set a five-year goal to increase leadership representation from underrepresented groups by 30%. However, the company recently announced it would scrap these goals and review some of its other DEI programs.
Google remains committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. A spokesperson stated,
"We're committed to creating a workplace where all our employees can succeed and have equal opportunities."
Despite this commitment, the latest investor report from Google omits any mention of its DEI initiatives. This marks a departure from previous reports between 2021 and 2024, which highlighted DEI as integral to the company's ethos.
In recent years, Google has made strides in enhancing diversity within its leadership. Notably, the company reported increases in the representation of women and Latino individuals among its leaders. Additionally, the number of Black people in leadership roles nearly doubled between 2020 and last year. Yet, Google's decision to retract its diversity hiring goals aligns it with a broader corporate trend.
This shift comes amid heightened scrutiny of DEI policies by former US President Donald Trump and his allies. Trump's administration had ordered the elimination of DEI initiatives across government agencies. Critics argue that such policies pose risks, a sentiment echoed in shareholder lawsuits against firms like Target. Shareholders accused Target of concealing risks associated with its DEI commitments, leading the company to abandon its diversity targets.
In contrast, Apple stands firm against the trend of rolling back DEI programs. The NCPPR's proposal for Apple highlights ongoing debates around the practical implications of diversity initiatives. Meanwhile, Google's recent changes reflect a cautious approach in an environment where DEI strategies face increasing challenges.