Apple’s board of directors has spoken out against a proposal that seeks to end the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
In a power presentationThe company said the National Center for Public Policy Research (a conservative think tank) is submitting a proposal for Apple to “consider abolishing its Inclusion and Diversity program, policies, department, and goals.”
The think tank proposal claims that DEI programs could make companies vulnerable to lawsuits, citing the recent ruling of the Supreme Court against race-based affirmative action at universities and pointing out that other companies have eliminated or reduced similar programs. (More recently, Meta eliminated its DEI programs and Amazon is reportedly pulling out as well.)
Apple, however, said the proposal is “unnecessary” because the company “already has a well-established compliance program” that would presumably keep it out of legal trouble. The filing also criticizes the proposal because it “inappropriately seeks to micromanage the Company’s programs and policies.”
The company also said it strives to “create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work.”