Apple Investors Defy Company and Vote for Civil-Rights Audits

Apple shareholders approved outside proposals recommending audits of the company’s civil-rights impact and a public report on its use of concealment clauses in employment agreements, marking a rare instance of investors defying the tech giant. The votes were part of Apple’s annual shareholder meeting, held virtually on March 4 for the second year in a row. Investors also reelected the company’s board and approved its executive compensation plan. The proposal on civil-rights audits is part of a broader push to get corporations to track if, and how, they contribute to racial inequities. Shareholders at major US companies, including Tyson Foods Inc., Citigroup Inc. and BlackRock Inc., have approved similar measures. The proposal on concealment clauses had a come-from-behind win. Apple initially said the measure failed, but when final vote totals were tallied, it prevailed by a narrow margin. That proposal aims to shed light on employments agreements that could bar workers from discussing unlawful acts, such as harassment and discrimination.