John Deere investors overwhelmingly rejected a resolution challenging the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, with only 1.3% of votes cast in support.
The proposal, filed by the conservative-leaning National Legal and Policy Center, called for reporting on racial and gender hiring statistics to demonstrate nondiscrimination, according to a Feb. 26 report by Reuters. Two other resolutions aimed at limiting Deere’s social initiatives also received minimal support.
The vote follows Deere’s decision in July to scale back support for LGBTQ+ pride events, making its annual meeting closely watched, according to the report. While some U.S. companies have retreated from DEI efforts amid political pressure, many investors and executives view them as essential for addressing underrepresentation in management.
Apple and Costco shareholders recently voted in favor of maintaining DEI policies, according to the report.
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