Undue interference | Colgate defends use of DEI criteria for boardroom picks

Colgate-Palmolive has said it will recommend shareholders reject a proposal that would remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) criteria from how it identifies future board members.

The proposal, filed by the National Legal and Policy Center, a right-wing pressure group, seeks to bring the matter to a vote at the company’s upcoming annual meeting. The group is pressing the consumer goods manufacturer to eliminate consideration of race, gender and sexual orientation in its director selection process.

Colgate intends to urge investors to vote against the measure. The company said the proposal “unduly interferes” with the responsibilities of its board’s nominating committee, which is tasked with maintaining a broad mix of experiences, skills and perspectives.

Board diversity and global growth

In outlining its position, Colgate stated that considering attributes such as “race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and cultural background” is legally appropriate and consistent with its corporate strategy.