ESG Investors Push More Racial Issues After Wins at Apple, J&J

Alphabet, Chevron, and other corporate giants are facing investor pressure to look at racial issues, as more shareholders and companies want to know whether their businesses fuel discrimination.

At least five companies—Apple Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Waste Management Inc., Altria Group Inc., and government contractor Maximus Inc.—have seen shareholder proposals demanding racial equity or civil rights audits pass this year, according to Bloomberg Intelligence data. Companies can use the audits to assess how they’re living up to commitments to promote civil rights or equity among their employees and customers, among other purposes.

Proposals at Alphabet, Chevron, ...