McDonald’s Investors Demand Civil Rights Audit in Close Vote (1)

McDonald’s Corp. investors voted in favor of a proposal calling for an independent civil-rights audit, going against the company’s recommendation, according to preliminary vote totals viewed by Bloomberg.

The fast-food chain joins the ranks of other large businesses facing a wave of shareholder scrutiny regarding their environmental, social and governance stances. The civil rights audit was the only shareholder proposal to gain the backing of a majority of votes cast at McDonald’s annual meeting. Other votes that failed included a request for a report on lobbying activities and spending.

The vote was a close one and one of several contentious ...