Apple CEO Tim Cook said on Tuesday that while the company may have to make changes to its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program policies in the future, but only if required by law to do so. Cook’s comments came during Apple’s shareholder’s meeting on Tuesday.
While several issues were discussed during the meeting, much of the discussion was focused on a shareholders proposal from shareholders who are also members of the “National Center for Public Policy Research,” a conservative think tank.
The groups proposal claims Apple’s DEI program could expose the firm to “litigation, reputational, and financial risks.” Apple executives for their part, urged shareholders to vote the proposal down.
The proposal was overwhelmingly voted down by shareholders, meaning the company will maintain its current DEI program.
The BBC reports that Apple CEO Tim Cook did say that there was a possibility that Apple’s could change its DEI program in the future, but only if there are changes in laws and regulations.
“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,” said Cook. He says Apple would continue to work on “a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work.”
Cook said Apple’s culture was one where “people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together,” that the firm would remain “committed to the values that have always made us who we are.”
While some tech firms, including Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and Amazon, have rushed to gain favor with the Trump administration by shutting down their DEI programs, Apple has held firm on its DEI stance. Trump has called for an end to DEI programs in both the private and government sectors.
