Apple’s board opposes the proposal to abolish DEI programs

Apple’s Board of Directors has come out in opposition to a proposal that seeks to end the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

In a power depositThe company said the National Center for Public Policy Research (a conservative think tank) is submitting a proposal for Apple to “consider the abolition of its Inclusion and Diversity program, policies, department and goals.”

The think tank’s proposal argues that DEI programs could make companies vulnerable to lawsuits, citing the last sentence of the Supreme Court against race-based affirmative action in colleges and noting that other companies have eliminated or scaled back similar programs. (Most recently, Meta has removed its DEI programsand Amazon is he is said to be retiring as well.)

Apple, however, said the proposal is “unnecessary” because the company “already has a well-established compliance program” that presumably keeps 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.”