Apple shareholders reject proposal to scrap DEI program

Apple shareholders on Tuesday rejected a proposal to end the iPhone maker's diversity, equity and inclusion program. 

The National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank, called on Apple to follow other major companies in backing off from DEI, which has come under fire by Republicans and President Donald Trump. 

"DEI poses litigation, reputational and financial risks to companies, and therefore financial risks to their shareholders, and therefore further risks to companies for not abiding by their fiduciary duties," according to the proposal offered by the group. It offered a similar proposal at Costco's annual meeting in January that shareholders also rejected.