Apple Opposes Anti-DEI Proposal As Meta And Amazon Cut Programs
Apple has opposed a shareholder proposal to remove its DEI programs, as first reported by TechCrunch. Meanwhile, Meta and Amazon have joined the list of companies that have scaled back their DEI programs in response to anti-DEI pressure.
Apple opposes anti-DEI Proposal
Apple’s board of directors has opposed a proposal by the National Center for Public Policy Research (a conservative think tank) to “consider abolishing its Inclusion & Diversity program, policies, department, and goals.”
In a proxy filing, Apple stated that the proposal was “unnecessary” as the company “already has a well-established compliance program” to guard against potential legal challenges. “We strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work,” the company added.
Costo is also standing firm on its DEI efforts, stating that its DEI efforts are fundamental to its business growth and operational success. Costco associates its DEI efforts with its infamous “treasure hunt” retail strategy, which provides bespoke, limited-time products at eye-catching prices.
What changes are Meta making?
Axios reports that on Friday, 11 January, Janelle Gale, vice president of human resources, said Meta was pivoting away from DEI as the “legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing.”
The announcement comes just days after the company discontinued its fact-checking system in favor of a community notes model like that seen on X.
Meta’s DEI team will move away from focusing on diversity and inclusion. Instead, Maxine Williams, the company’s chief diversity officer’s role, will focus on accessibility and engagement.
The company will end its equity and inclusion programs and will create programs that focus on how to apply fair and consistent practices that mitigate bias for all, no matter your background,” Gale shared.
A significant pivot for Meta will be closing their “diverse slate approach” to hiring. Though the company intends to find employees from diverse backgrounds, it will not use the diverse-slate hiring approach, which means that a diverse pool of potential candidates is considered for every open role. Gale says: “We believe there are other ways to build an industry-leading workforce and leverage teams made up of world-class people from all types of backgrounds.”
What changes are Amazon making?
Last month, Candi Castleberry, a senior human resources executive at Amazon, sent a memo saying the company was “winding down outdated programs and materials” after analyzing hundreds of initiatives, according to Bloomberg.
“Rather than have individual groups build programs, we are focusing on programs with proven outcomes — and we also aim to foster a more truly inclusive culture,” Castleberry said. However, a spokesperson for Amazon refused to share the details the company would make.
However, Bloomberg reported that Amazon would continue to run its affinity groups, such as its employee-led organizations created to hear employees’ concerns and champion Black workers, military veterans, and other groups.
Image credit: Apple/Reuters
