Apple Shareholders Reject Proposal to End DEI Program, Tim Cook Vows Commitment to ‘Culture of Belonging’

Apple Investors Reject Proposal to End DEI Program, Tim Cook Reaffirms Commitment to a ‘Culture of Belonging’

Apple held its annual shareholder meeting on February 25, 2025. During the meeting, shareholders voted on several proposals, most notably rejecting an external proposal to terminate Apple’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This proposal was submitted by the conservative think tank National Center for Public Policy Research, which argued that DEI initiatives pose financial risks to companies and their shareholders.

Apple, however, recommended against the proposal in its annual proxy report, emphasizing the importance of ethical business practices and a culture of belonging. CEO Tim Cook stated during the meeting that Apple’s strength lies in a diverse workforce where people with different backgrounds can thrive together. He also noted that while the legal landscape may require some adjustments to DEI programs, Apple remains committed to dignity, respect, and its core values.

Apple is one of the few companies continuing its DEI initiatives, as several others like Meta, Google, Amazon, Walmart, Ford, and Costco have recently announced rollbacks or reevaluations of their own DEI programs.

Additionally, shareholders voted against three other outside proposals: a report on ethical AI data acquisition, a report on the costs and benefits of child sex abuse material-identifying software and user privacy, and a report on charitable giving. This aligns with a trend where Apple shareholders typically follow the company’s recommendations.

Cook also mentioned that Apple plans to continue its tradition of annual dividend increases.