Apple shareholders will decide today whether to eliminate diversity programs amid mounting pressure from conservative activists. The proposal by the National Center for Public Policy Research marks the latest escalation in corporate America’s DEI reckoning, following failed attempts at Costco and Target’s recent $10B lawsuit over inclusion policies.
Despite Apple’s market dominance ($3.7T valuation), critics argue its workforce demographics reveal systemic imbalances:
- 74% White/Asian employees globally
- 66% male workforce composition
The conservative think tank claims DEI initiatives violate recent court rulings, warning of 50,000+ potential discrimination lawsuits.
DEI exposes companies to catastrophic legal and financial risks,the group stated, though it provided no methodology for its employee lawsuit estimate.
Apple’s leadership remains defiant. Our culture is as vital as our products, the company asserted, linking DEI efforts to its innovation pipeline and industry-leading valuation. Legal experts note the Florida vs Target case creates new uncertainty, with AG James Uthmeier alleging DEI programs breach fiduciary duties to shareholders.
Tech giants face growing scrutiny over diversity stagnation. While Apple’s 2022 report showed modest progress from 2014’s 70% male workforce, competitors like Google and Microsoft report similar demographic plateaus. Engineering roles remain 80% male industry-wide, fueling calls for systemic reforms.
Market analysts warn DEI rollbacks could backfire. Diverse teams drive 19% higher innovation revenues, notes Gartner research, while Glassdoor reports 76% of job seekers prioritize inclusive employers. With 45% of Fortune 500 companies now disclosing diversity metrics, Apple’s decision could reshape corporate governance standards.
