Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been making efforts to reconcile with former President Donald Trump since his election in November. Meanwhile, Apple faces pressure from the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), a conservative group, which has called for the abolition of the company's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. The NCPPR's proposal is scheduled for a shareholder vote at Apple's annual general meeting on February 25. Apple's board urges investors to vote against this proposal, arguing that the DEI programs are vital for the company's inclusive culture.
In recent weeks, conservative groups have threatened legal action against major corporations over their DEI initiatives. These actions were prompted by the Supreme Court's ruling against affirmative action in universities in 2023. This legal environment has led several prominent U.S. companies, including Meta and Amazon, to scale back their DEI efforts as Trump's potential return to the White House looms.
Apple's directors assert that the NCPPR proposal is unwarranted due to existing compliance frameworks.
"The proposal is unnecessary as Apple already has a well-established compliance program." – Apple's board
Moreover, Apple's board criticized the proposal for attempting to dictate specific legal compliance methods.
"inappropriately seeks to micromanage the Company's programs and policies by suggesting a specific means of legal compliance." – Apple's board
In a show of political pragmatism, Apple has donated $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund and appointed a Republican as its public affairs chief. Additionally, the company has announced plans to eliminate fact-checkers on Meta's social media platforms—a move that aligns with recent trends of rolling back DEI initiatives among tech giants.
The NCPPR's proposal is perceived as a reaction to the Supreme Court's decision, reflecting broader conservative sentiments against DEI programs. However, Apple's stance remains firm, emphasizing that its current checks and balances are sufficient to maintain compliance without external interference.