{"id":22014,"date":"2025-02-28T07:12:26","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T07:12:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mysourcefunding.com\/?p=22014"},"modified":"2025-02-28T07:12:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T07:12:27","slug":"apple-and-john-deere-reject-anti-dei-proposals-amid-corporate-walkbacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mysourcefunding.com\/?p=22014","title":{"rendered":"Apple and John Deere reject anti-DEI proposals amid corporate walkbacks"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The corporate tug-of-war over DEI continues.<\/p>\n

This week, Apple and John Deere shareholders voted against anti-DEI proposals, while some other companies have walked back their diversity efforts.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s all playing out against the backdrop of an executive order from President Trump that aims to stop federal support for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, which was temporarily blocked by a federal judge last week. Even with some moves on hold, Attorney General Pam Bondi released a memo earlier this month stating that the Department of Justice intends to \u201cinvestigate, eliminate, and penalize\u201d DEI programs in the private sector and educational institutions that receive federal funds, with a report expected by March 1.<\/p>\n

Holding the line:<\/strong> On Tuesday, Apple shareholders rejected a proposal that would have ended its DEI programs, as proposed by the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) conservative think tank\u2014a rejection that the president immediately criticized. A similar proposal from the NCPPR was rejected by Costco shareholders a few weeks ago; the company has reportedly seen a 7% YoY increase in foot traffic since the start of the year, according to Business Insider.<\/p>\n

On Wednesday, John Deere, a company that last summer announced it would walk back DEI efforts like participating in or supporting \u201cexternal social or cultural awareness parades, festivals, or events,\u201d saw its shareholders reject a proposal from the conservative National Legal and Policy Center to annually report hiring numbers related to race and gender.<\/p>\n

Other companies, including e.l.f, Ben & Jerry\u2019s, Microsoft, Lush, and Patagonia, have affirmed their commitments to DEI in the last month.<\/p>\n

All eyes on DEI:<\/strong> American Express, Berkshire Hathaway, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Levi\u2019s are among the brands that have been asked to consider anti-DEI proposals from the NCPPR and NLPC in the coming months.<\/p>\n

Walking it back?<\/strong> While some brands are holding firm, others have walked back their DEI efforts in the last month, with some citing legal changes under the new administration.<\/p>\n