For conservative groups, a big loss at annual meetings is still a win.
That’s because their growing presence at shareholder meetings simultaneously disrupts management plans and makes headlines, while their proposals to end diversity programs within companies receive scant support from investors.
Every year, companies face hundreds of resolutions from progressive groups asking them to change their policies and become more supportive of employee diversity, labor rights, and other social issues. Until 2022, there were only a handful of proposals from groups opposing these initiatives. But as the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion has grown in the U.S., the number of so-called anti-DEI proposals has multiplied.
