Former President Donald Trump has labeled Apple's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies as discriminatory, suggesting that the Department of Justice could investigate if such measures violate the law. Trump expressed strong disapproval of Apple's DEI initiatives in a post on Truth Social, advocating for the complete removal of these policies. He stated that DEI has been detrimental to the country.
Apple, the renowned iPhone maker, has not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the criticism of its DEI practices. The company's annual meeting on Tuesday served as a barometer for shareholder opinions on DEI programs, which many corporations expanded or initiated in 2020 during the Black Lives Matter movement.
In January, Trump issued an executive order aiming to halt DEI initiatives both within the federal government and the private sector. He argued that such efforts discriminate against certain groups, including white people and men, potentially undermining the significance of merit in hiring and promotions.
Apple has stated that it actively oversees its DEI efforts to avoid legal pitfalls, arguing that shareholder proposals could unduly restrict management. While the company publishes workforce diversity data, it does not set specific targets or quotas. Instead, Apple's DEI focus includes initiatives such as a racial justice program that supports historically Black colleges and universities in the U.S.
During Tuesday's meeting, Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized the company's commitment to hiring the best talent and fostering a collaborative culture that embraces diverse backgrounds and perspectives. He noted that while adjustments may be necessary in response to evolving legal frameworks, Apple's dedication to dignity and respect will remain steadfast.
"As the legal landscape around these issues 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," Cook stated.
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Reporting by Susan Heavey and Aditya Soni; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Arun Koyyur.
