Apple bucks trend in Big Tech, defies anti-DEI headwinds in wake of President Trump’s order
By
Aly McDevitt2025-02-13T15:11:00
Apple, one of the most valuable tech giants on the planet, is pushing back against pressure to stop diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, saying that “a culture of belonging” remains a core value of the organization.
While federal agencies have rapidly dismantled DEI “programs and preferencing, per President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order, major companies have responded in kind, rolling back DEI departments, ending hiring targets around diversity, and sunsetting supplier diversity efforts. Among Big Tech companies, Meta, Google, and Amazon announced varying changes to these effects in recent memos to staff, with Google citing a need to comply with Trump’s executive order as a federal contractor.
The maker of iPhones, however, is bucking the trend–a move that could have far-reaching significance.
Apple’s Board recommended a vote against an anti-DEI proposal set to be submitted by conservative think tank, the National Center for Public Policy Research, according to its latest proxy filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The shareholder proposal requests the company consider abolishing its inclusion and diversity program, policies, department, and goals.