Apple’s board of directors has rejected a proposal aimed at discontinuing the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

In a proxy statement, Apple revealed that the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative-leaning research organization, has put forth a proposal for Apple to contemplate terminating its Inclusion & Diversity schemes, strategies, department, and objectives.

The research organization’s proposal argues that DEI initiatives could expose companies to potential lawsuits. This argument is based on a recent Supreme Court verdict against race-based affirmative action in educational institutions, and references other corporations that have either abolished or reduced similar initiatives. For instance, Meta recently did away with its DEI initiatives and Amazon is allegedly considering a similar action.

Nevertheless, Apple has deemed the proposal as “unnecessary,” asserting that the company already operates a comprehensive compliance strategy, which would likely safeguard it from any legal issues. The company also criticized the proposal for attempting to excessively control the company’s initiatives and strategies.

Apple further stated that it works relentlessly to foster a culture of inclusivity where everyone can perform optimally.