Apple's board is urging shareholders to reject proposals challenging the company's financial support of progressive organizations and advocating for the discontinuation of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Shareholders will vote on these proposals at the 2025 Annual Meeting.
One proposal, put forth by the National Center for Public Policy Research, argues that Apple's DEI programs, despite omitting "equity" from their official titles, still demonstrate a strong commitment to the concept and carry significant legal, reputational, and financial risks. The proposal also criticizes Apple's "Supplier Diversity Program," alleging it prioritizes suppliers based on race and sex, potentially opening the company up to discrimination lawsuits.
A separate proposal, submitted by Wayne Frantzen representing Inspire Investing LLC, questions Apple's contributions to organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). This proposal contends that the SPLC utilizes its "hate map" and "hate watch" to unfairly target political and religious groups, and individuals such as Moms for Liberty, The Family Research Center, and Dr. Ben Carson. The proposal suggests that Apple realign its charitable giving to reflect the diverse viewpoints of its customers and employees, citing other companies like John Deere, Jack Daniel's, and Ford that have distanced themselves from groups like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
The proposal also raises concerns about Apple's support for the HRC, alleging the organization promotes censorship of mainstream views on parental rights and human sexuality and mandates that companies provide "puberty blockers for youth" in their healthcare plans. It references Apple CEO Tim Cook's 2017 announcement of a $2 million donation to "anti-hate groups," including the SPLC, despite neither the SPLC nor HRC being listed on Apple's Public Policy/Trade Association Membership website.
Furthermore, the proposal highlights a 2024 study indicating that 62% of scored companies, including Apple, support nonprofits that allegedly undermine free speech and religious freedom. Past accusations against Apple regarding anti-free speech efforts are also mentioned, including reported instructions to Apple TV+ show creators to avoid negative portrayals of China, the rejection of a Christian app opposing gay marriage and abortion, and the temporary delisting of the Parler app.
Apple's board recommends shareholders vote against both proposals, asserting they are unnecessary due to existing compliance and donation programs and that they unduly restrict the company's operational and strategic decision-making. Apple referred Fox News Digital to its statements opposing the proposals, while the SPLC and HRC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
