Apple and its shareholders stand firm on DEI

Apple shareholders today rejected a shareholder proposal from conservative think tank National Center for Public Policy Research to abolish the iPhone maker’s diversity, equity, and inclusion “program, policies, department and goals,” preliminary voting tabulation showed.

Apple CEO Tim Cook at the shareholder meeting today:

We've never had quotas or targets for Apple.  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 time and time again.  Our unique culture enables us to create the best products and services in the world.  

Now, 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.  We'll continue to work together to create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work, and we'll remain committed to the values that have always made us who we are.

Apple board had previously recommended voting against the proposal, saying it’s “unnecessary” and that it “inappropriately attempts to restrict Apple’s ability to manage its own ordinary business operations, people and teams, and business strategies.”

The move puts Apple at odds with the Trump administration and the prevailing corporate trend of dismantling DEI initiatives — or at least not talking about them. Apple joins the ranks of Costco, which last month defeated a similar initiative by the same group, and Delta Air Lines in standing behind its DEI efforts.

Apple recently got on the good side of the Trump administration, with a commitment to spend $500 billion expanding in the US over his term. Let’s see how this one lands.