‘We will continue to foster a culture of…’ says Tim Cook as Apple stands by its DEI initiatives

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Apple held its annual shareholder meeting on February 25, 2025, where investors decisively rejected a proposal that aimed to dismantle the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program. The proposal, put forward by the National Center for Public Policy Research, claimed that Apple's DEI initiatives posed potential litigation, reputational, and financial risks. However, Apple's management urged shareholders to vote against the proposal, arguing that its DEI efforts were essential for fostering an inclusive and innovative work environment.

“At Apple, we believe that how we conduct ourselves is as critical to Apple’s success as making the best products in the world. We seek to conduct business ethically, honestly, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and our Business Conduct and Compliance policies are foundational to how we do business. And we strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work,” said Apple in its proxy report.

Apple’s stance comes at a time when every other big tech company has altered their DEI program, following US president Donald Trump taking office. Trump has been a vocal critic on DEI programs and while Meta, Google, Amazon have scrapped or altered their programs, Apple is standing firm.

According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that while the company remains committed to its values, it may need to make adjustments to comply with evolving legal requirements.

As per the report, Cook said "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.” He added that Apple would continue to foster "a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work".

Cook also highlighted that Apple's strength lies in its diversity and that there are no DEI-related hiring quotas. He emphasised that the company's culture is one where "people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together.”