In the face of increasing political and legal pressures to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, shareholders at major U.S. corporations have sent a resounding message: DEI remains a business imperative.

Recent shareholder meetings at companies like Apple, Costco, Goldman Sachs, Levi Strauss, and Disney have seen overwhelming rejections of proposals aimed at curtailing or eliminating DEI programs.

Key Shareholder Votes

• Apple Inc.: At Apple’s annual meeting, over 97% of shareholders voted against a proposal to cease the company’s DEI efforts. The proposal, submitted by the National Center for Public Policy Research, claimed DEI initiatives posed legal and financial risks. Apple's board recommended rejecting it, affirming DEI’s role in company success (ESG Dive, 2025).

• Costco Wholesale Corp.: Costco shareholders also rejected an anti-DEI proposal, with 98% voting against it. The board had recommended a “no” vote, emphasizing the company’s ongoing commitment to DEI (Business Insider, 2025).

• Goldman Sachs: Two anti-DEI proposals were brought forward at Goldman Sachs, including one targeting DEI-based compensation incentives for executives. Both were rejected, receiving only 2% support (ESG Today, 2025).

• Levi Strauss & Co.: Levi’s shareholders dismissed a similar proposal with less than 1% support. The board highlighted DEI as vital to the company’s culture and performance (ESG Dive, 2025).

• The Walt Disney Company: Disney shareholders overwhelmingly voted down a proposal to withdraw from the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, with only 1% in favor (Business Insider, 2025).

Broader Trends

Despite a surge in anti-DEI shareholder proposals—accounting for nearly 40% of all DEI-related shareholder activity in early 2025—the vast majority have failed.

According to The Conference Board, these proposals are largely driven by a small group of ideologically motivated activists, not representative of the broader investor community (The Conference Board, 2025).

Implications for Inclusive Hiring

The decisive rejection of anti-DEI proposals reinforces the growing consensus that inclusive workplaces benefit business performance.

Companies that embrace DEI are better positioned to attract top talent, drive innovation, and serve increasingly diverse markets.

These shareholder votes serve as validation for organizations—and job boards like Diversity.com—that continue to prioritize equity and inclusion in hiring.

How Diversity.com Supports Inclusive Hiring Amid Challenges

At Diversity.com, we recognize the challenges organizations face in maintaining DEI commitments amid evolving societal and political landscapes.

As a dedicated DEI job board, our platform offers resources and tools to support employers and job seekers committed to fostering inclusive environments.

For Employers & HR Leaders:

✔ Post Inclusive Job Listings — Reach a diverse pool of candidates by highlighting your organization's commitment to DEI.

✔ Access DEI Resources — Utilize our curated content to inform and enhance your DEI strategies.

✔ Engage with a Community — Connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to advancing workplace diversity.

For Job Seekers:

✔ Find inclusive employers — Discover organizations that prioritize equity and inclusion in their hiring practices.

✔ Enhance Your Profile — Showcase your experiences and skills to employers committed to DEI.

✔ Stay Informed — Access articles and resources to support your career development in inclusive workplaces.

We believe in a future where every career journey and every hire moves us closer to true equity.

Start building with Diversity.com.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to Contact Us Here. Our dedicated support team is ready to help!

Related Articles

• Home Depot Quietly Removes DEI Language Amid Political Pressure: Implications for Inclusive Hiring

• Target’s DEI Retreat: A Case Study in Corporate Backlash and Consumer Response

• The Rise of DEI Fatigue: Navigating the Challenges and Reaffirming Commitments

• Stockholm Said No: What a Swedish Rejection of U.S. Pressure Says About Global DEI Values

• Why the U.S. Is Reversing DEI While the World Moves Forward

• Why Companies Are Reframing DEI Language in 2025

Sources & References

• ESG Dive. (2025, February 26). Apple shareholders emphatically reject anti-DEI proposal. https://www.esgdive.com/news/apple-shareholders-reject-anti-dei-proposal-ncppr/741021/

• Business Insider. (2025, January 23). Costco shareholders reject anti-DEI proposal. https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-shareholders-reject-anti-dei-proposal-2025-1

• ESG Today. (2025, April 24). 98% of Goldman Sachs shareholders reject anti-DEI proposals. https://www.esgtoday.com/98-of-goldman-sachs-shareholders-reject-anti-dei-proposal/

• ESG Dive. (2025, April 28). More anti-DEI shareholder proposals fail at Goldman Sachs, Levi’s. https://www.esgdive.com/news/more-anti-dei-shareholder-proposals-fail-at-goldman-sachs-levis/746460/

• Business Insider. (2025, March). Disney shareholders reject anti-DEI proposal. https://www.businessinsider.com/disney-shareholders-reject-anti-dei-proposal-2025-3

• The Conference Board. (2025, April 14). Report: Anti-DEI proposals surge in the 2025 proxy season. https://www.conference-board.org/press/dei-proposals-2025