Apple’s board of directors has come out against a proposal to stop the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
In a proxy filing, the company said the National Center for Public Policy Research (a conservative think tank) is recommending that Apple “consider ending its inclusion and diversity program, policies, department and policies.”
The think tank’s proposal says DEI programs could make companies vulnerable to lawsuits, citing a recent Supreme Court decision against racially motivated action at colleges and noting that other companies have removed or scaled back similar programs. (More recently, Meta has removed its DEI plans, and Amazon is reportedly backing down as well.)
Apple, however, said the proposal was “unnecessary” because the company “already has a well-established compliance program” that could prevent it from legal trouble. The filing also criticizes the proposal because it “improperly aims to govern 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.”