Story perspectives

SEC's New Proposal Threatens Shareholder Voices, Warn Experts

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Peter Flaherty and Stephen M. Rothstein, in a Wall Street Journal commentary, say recent SEC decisions undermine shareholder rights and accountability.
They criticize SEC Chairman Paul Atkins' proposal to defer to state law on nonbinding shareholder proposals.
They say the proposal would silence shareholder voices and increase political influence in capital markets.
Gerard Baker, a columnist, echoes this call for accountability, noting shareholder proposals are essential communications from owners.

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Story summary

Peter Flaherty and Stephen M. Rothstein, in a Wall Street Journal commentary, say recent SEC decisions undermine shareholder rights and accountability.
They criticize SEC Chairman Paul Atkins' proposal to defer to state law on nonbinding shareholder proposals.
They say the proposal would silence shareholder voices and increase political influence in capital markets.
Gerard Baker, a columnist, echoes this call for accountability, noting shareholder proposals are essential communications from owners.