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Apple Pushes Back Against Anti-DEI Efforts Amid Growing Corporate Backlash

Apple is taking a stand against a growing wave of anti-diversity sentiment, urging shareholders to reject a proposal that calls for abandoning its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Under mounting cultural and legal pressure, the tech giant’s firm stance sets it apart as other companies scale back their commitments to such policies.

Key Details

Apple’s board of directors has called on shareholders to oppose a proposal introduced by the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), a conservative think tank advocating for policies that counter corporate DEI and climate programs. The NCPPR has described DEI initiatives as emblematic of the “woke takeover of corporate America.”

The proposal leans heavily on the precedent set by the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard Supreme Court decision, which eliminated affirmative action in higher education. The group argues that this ruling could extend to corporate DEI programs, despite the court’s focus on college admissions.

Critics of Apple’s DEI initiatives claim that the company’s efforts—such as its supplier diversity program and its appointment of a Vice President for Diversity—amount to discriminatory practices. The NCPPR went as far as to label Apple’s DEI strategy “more radical” than most corporate programs.

Apple, however, rejected these assertions, stating that the proposal is unnecessary and mischaracterizes its business practices. The board defended its DEI initiatives as compliant with all laws and emphasized that its audit committee actively monitors any potential risks. Apple accused the proposal’s backers of attempting to micromanage its operations under the guise of shareholder activism.

What’s Next?

Apple’s shareholders will cast their votes on the proposal during the company’s annual meeting on February 25. Such shareholder-driven proposals are relatively common, and boards of publicly traded companies frequently recommend voting against them.

The Broader Trend: Companies Back Away From DEI

Apple’s position contrasts sharply with that of other major corporations, many of which are retreating from their DEI commitments amid shifting legal and cultural dynamics.

Just last week, Meta and McDonald’s announced rollbacks of their DEI policies. In an internal memo, Meta’s VP of People, Janelle Gale, explained that the company was scrapping supplier diversity requirements and disbanding its DEI team due to the evolving “legal and policy landscape” and the increasing controversy surrounding the term “DEI.”

Other notable companies scaling back on DEI include Walmart, Boeing, Molson Coors, Lowe’s, Ford, and Harley-Davidson. These moves often cite the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling or shifting cultural attitudes as justification.

The anti-DEI movement has gained traction thanks to vocal conservative activists such as Elon Musk, Bill Ackman, and Robby Starbuck. Starbuck, a former music video director turned activist, has publicly pressured companies to abandon their “woke” policies, threatening to expose those that resist. He has claimed credit for persuading Walmart to make changes after what he described as “productive conversations.”

Tangent

Apple isn’t alone in pushing back. Costco’s board recently recommended rejecting a similar proposal aimed at gutting its DEI programs. In its response, the company emphasized that fostering respect and inclusion is both “appropriate and necessary” for its business success.

The Takeaway

Apple’s stance highlights a growing divide in the corporate world over diversity policies. While some companies retreat to avoid controversy, others, like Apple and Costco, argue that DEI is essential for their long-term innovation and culture.

The February shareholder vote will not only determine Apple’s path forward but could also signal how willing companies are to defend their diversity commitments in the face of growing opposition. Will Apple’s resolve inspire others to stand firm, or will the anti-DEI wave continue reshaping the corporate landscape? The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Forbes Middle East Unveils 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen Of 2025

Forbes Middle East has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 ranking of the region’s top businesswomen, spotlighting influential leaders reshaping industries and driving meaningful transformation. The list was based on business size, individual accomplishments, leadership impact, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Top Spot For Hana Al Rostamani

For the third consecutive year, Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (UAE’s largest bank by assets), claims the top position. In addition to retaining her position in the Forbes Middle East ranking, she was also featured on Forbes’ 2024 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, securing the 60th position globally. Under her leadership, the bank achieved an impressive $3.5 billion in net profits and $334.8 billion in assets in the first nine months of 2024.

Rising Stars In The Top 10

Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar of NBK Group and Shaista Asif, cofounder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding, take the second and third spots respectively, completing the top three.

The top 10 remains largely unchanged from last year, with Tayba Al Hashemi of ADNOC Offshore, Alisha Moopen of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, and Suzanne Al Anani of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) making their debut in the top 10. In total, 27 new leaders have joined the list this year.

A Diverse And Powerful Group Of Women

This year’s list features 100 women from 32 sectors and 29 nationalities, underlining the diversity of talent driving the region’s progress. The banking and financial services sector leads with 25 entries, followed by healthcare and technology with nine each, and venture capital with five. Remarkably, 40% of the top 10 women are from the banking and financial services sector. Notably, Shaista Asif (PureHealth Holding) and Alisha Moopen (Aster DM Healthcare GCC) are the only non-Arab women in the top 10.

UAE Leads With 46 Leaders

The UAE continues to dominate, with 46 of the women on the list hailing from the country, solidifying its status as a global business hub. Egypt follows with 18 influential women, and Saudi Arabia claims nine entries. Egyptians lead in representation, followed by Emiratis and Lebanese women.

Empowering Women Through Initiatives

Several of the leaders have focused on upskilling and creating opportunities for women. Susana Rodriguez Puerta launched the ‘sAIdaty’ initiative in collaboration with the Dubai Business Women Council, aimed at providing 500 female council members in the UAE with AI skills. Similarly, Lamia Tazi of SOTHEMA collaborated with the Foundation for Research, Development, and Innovation in Science and Engineering to provide scholarships to PhD students from low-income backgrounds.

Click here for the full list.

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