More anti-DEI shareholder proposals fail at Goldman Sachs, Levi's

Proposals aimed at overturning or altering companies’ DEI practices have been unpopular with shareholders. Submissions to the financial institution and clothing company received less than 2% support.

Published April 28, 2025

Shareholders at Goldman Sachs and Levi Strauss Corp. rejected proposals from conservative think tanks asking the companies to stop diversity, equity and inclusion related practices at their annual investor meetings last week.

At Goldman Sachs, investors representing less than 2% of shares voted in favor of a proposal that asked the financial institution to eliminate DEI goals in executive pay initiatives at its annual meeting on Wednesday, according to a Friday securities filing. Meanwhile, less than 1% of shareholders at Levi’s supported a similar measure asking the clothing company to scrap its DEI programs during its annual meeting the same day, according to Women’s Wear Daily.

The number of anti-ESG proposals, including those aimed at company DEI programs, has increased this proxy season, though it has not been accompanied by a rise in support. Shareholders also overwhelmingly rejected proposals aimed at company DEI practices at Apple and Costco already this proxy season.

https://www.esgdive.com/news/more-anti-dei-shareholder-proposals-fail-at-goldman-sachs-levis/746460/