Apple shareholders reject diversity plan to recruit minorities as company leaders

Tim Cook urged investors not to vote through plans to accelerate recruitment of minorities on its 18-person board - which currently has 15 white men

Apple shareholders have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal that would require the board of America's largest company to adopt an "accelerated recruitment policy" for minorities among company leaders.

The result offered a fresh reminder how Silicon Valley, a meritocracy dominated by white men, is having a tricky time navigating identity politics and modern attitudes towards diversity. The proposal, which wasn't expected to pass, failed 94.9% to 5.1%, according to an early tally announced at Apple's annual shareholder meeting at company headquarters in Cupertino, California.