Tim Cook Says Apple’s DEI Program Will Change Only If Required by Law
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During Apple’s shareholder meeting on Tuesday, February 25, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that while the company may have to make changes to its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program policies in the future, it will only do so if required by law.
Several issues and proposals were discussed during the shareholder meeting. However, the proposal that spurred the most discussion came from shareholders who are also members of the conservative think-tank “National Center for Public Policy Research.”
The group claimed Apple’s current DEI program could expose the company to “litigation, reputational, and financial risks.” Apple executives pushed back, urging shareholders to vote the proposal down.
Shareholders and their proxies voted overwhelmingly to maintain the company’s current DEI program, associated policies, and hiring policies.
Soon after the decision was voted on, the BBC reported that Apple CEO Tim Cook conceded that Apple’s DEI program could change in the future, but only to comply with any changes in laws and regulations.
“As the legal landscape around this issue 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,” said Cook. He then added that Apple would continue to work on “a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work.”
Cook pointed out that while Apple’s strength comes from its diversity, the company has no DEI-related hiring quotas. He said Apple’s culture was one where “people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together,” he added that the device maker would remain “committed to the values that have always made us who we are.”
While some tech firms have rushed to gain favor with the current presidential administration by shutting down their DEI programs, Apple has held firm on its diversity, equity, and inclusion stance. The company likely won’t make any changes unless compelled to by law.
Many US-based firms, including Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and Amazon, have either changed or outright shut down their DEI programs to gain favor with the Trump administration, which has called for an end to DEI programs in both the private and government sectors.
While the Trump administration is against DEI policies, there is currently no law that would force Apple to abandon its DEI initiatives, nor has one been announced for the near future. However, a US Supreme Court ruling in SFFA V. Harvard stated that basing college admissions on race violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. That ruling could be applied to corporate DEI programs, although it hasn’t been used to compel any changes.
Depending on what happens during the next four years of the Trump administration, Apple’s DEI program and other corporations holding onto their DEI programs could see some changes. However, no laws requiring companies like Apple to eliminate or change their DEI programs are on the books, nor have any bills been submitted to do so.
