Summary by Futu AI
Bowyer Research, on behalf of Alliance Defending Freedom, has submitted a shareholder proposal urging Merck & Co., Inc. to evaluate and report on potential discrimination within its workforce. The proposal, titled 'Report on Respecting Workforce Civil Liberties,' highlights concerns over the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, suggesting they may inadvertently foster division and stifle viewpoint diversity. The submission points to recent Supreme Court decisions that question the legality of DEI practices and suggests that Merck's current approach could pose legal and financial risks. The proposal calls for an assessment of how the company's policies may discriminate against employees based on religious or political views, potentially harming the company's reputation and financial performance. The document cites studies and legal cases to support its stance and encourages Merck to adopt policies that respect individual dignity and promote a diversity of thought. The proposal aims to align the company's practices with the diverse views of its stakeholders, thereby mitigating legal risks and enhancing company performance.