Apple’s board of directors urged shareholders to reject a proposal to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

This stance defied recent decisions by Meta, McDonald’s, and other giants to withdraw from such programmes.

The proposal, put forward by the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank, called for Apple to terminate its DEI programmes to avoid potential legal challenges.

The suggestion was framed as a precautionary measure in light of the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that declared affirmative action in universities unconstitutional.

However, the Cupertino-based company’s leadership firmly opposed the recommendation. "The proposal is unnecessary as Apple already has a well-established compliance program," stated the board, which includes CEO Tim Cook.

The board further argued that the initiative sought to impose undue restrictions on the company’s internal operations.

It criticised the think tank’s attempt to "micromanage" Apple, describing the proposal as an inappropriate intrusion into its business strategies and employee management.

Reiterating the company’s commitment to equitable practices, the board emphasised, "Apple is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training, or promoting on any basis protected by law."

Shareholders are set to cast their votes on the proposal during Apple’s annual general meeting, scheduled for February 25.

Meanwhile, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced its decision to end DEI initiatives on Friday.

The California-based firm cited "a changing legal and policy landscape" as the basis for its decision, aligning with similar moves by Ford, Walmart, and other industry leaders.

President-elect Donald Trump, who has been a vocal critic of Meta and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg, may have indirectly influenced the decision.

Trump, who takes office next week, accused the tech magnate of bias and threatened retaliation against Meta in the past.

Zuckerberg, seeking to mend relations with the incoming administration, has taken steps to align with Trump.

He contributed $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund and appointed a Republican public affairs chief in the aftermath of the November election.

The broader Republican opposition to DEI programmes stems from their association with the Black Lives Matter movement and efforts to address systemic racial disparities in the US.