On February 26, 98.7% of John Deere shareholders voted against a resolution that aimed to restrict the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The proposal, introduced by the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC)—a conservative group—called for a report on racial and gender-based hiring disparities.

However, shareholders firmly opposed the motion, reinforcing the trend of corporate resistance against efforts to dismantle DEI programs.

The Push Against DEI and Deere’s Response

The NLPC claimed that reporting on hiring differences would demonstrate whether the company engages in discrimination.

“If the company discriminates, it will be evident in its hiring numbers,” the group stated in a proxy filing last month.

Despite this claim, John Deere recommended shareholders vote against the resolution, arguing that the company already provides substantial public disclosures on workforce composition.

John Deere has made adjustments to its DEI approach in recent years. In summer 2024, the company announced it would no longer participate in “external social or cultural awareness events” and committed to ensuring that its training materials and policies remain free of politically motivated messaging. Deere also clarified that diversity quotas and preferred pronouns have never been part of its official policies.

Even with these changes, the overwhelming rejection of the anti-DEI resolution suggests that investors see DEI as an essential part of business success, not a liability.

Strong Shareholder Support for DEI Across Industries

John Deere isn’t the only major company facing challenges to its DEI programs. On January 23, 2025, Costco shareholders rejected a similar resolution by 98%, and just a day before Deere’s vote, Apple shareholders voted 97.7% against an anti-DEI proposal.

“John Deere shareholders sent a strong message to the board and leadership today by overwhelmingly rejecting an effort to undermine the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives,” said As You Sow, a progressive organization advocating for corporate accountability.

The group sees the vote as part of a broader trend, where investors prioritize diverse workplaces because they contribute to financial growth and corporate success.

“Shareholders understand that diversity and inclusion are critical for profitable growth. Anyone who looks at the data—companies and investors alike—sees that greater diversity leads to stronger financial performance,” said Andrew Behar, CEO of As You Sow.

Why Companies Continue to Invest in DEI

A recent As You Sow report analyzed 1,641 companies over five years, finding a statistically significant correlation between diverse leadership teams and higher financial performance. Metrics like return on equity and return on investment were stronger in companies with greater workplace diversity.

“These resolutions have been proposed for years with little investor support because they lack a solid business rationale,” said Meredith Benton, a program manager at As You Sow and founder of Whistle Stop Capital. “Investors have made it clear: we want smart business practices that help John Deere excel.”

John Deere reaffirmed its commitment to workplace diversity, stating:

“We fundamentally believe that a diverse workforce allows us to best serve our customers, which is why we will continue to track and develop diversity within our organization. The unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences of our employees drive innovation and create value for our customers. We also believe that a workforce reflecting the communities we serve is critical to our long-term success.”

A History of Investing in DEI – The Bear Flag Robotics Acquisition

John Deere’s commitment to diverse talent and technological advancement is evident in its 2021 acquisition of Bear Flag Robotics, a startup originally part of the John Deere Startup Collaborator Program. Bear Flag Robotics specializes in autonomous tractors and smart farming solutions, reinforcing Deere’s position as a leader in agricultural innovation.

By rejecting anti-DEI proposals and continuing to support inclusive hiring and innovation, John Deere is signaling that investors, employees, and customers recognize the value of diversity—not just as a social goal, but as a smart business strategy.