The War Heats Up As DeSantis Cancels Disney’s Equity And Diversity Initiatives
On Tuesday, August 1, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced he was abolishing all diversity, equity and inclusion programs from the Walt Disney World governing district, reports AP. DeSantis has been engaged in a political face-off against Disney since the corporation rebuked the Don’t Say Gay bill that DeSantis made law.
What does this mean?
DeSantis has rolled out sweeping new legislation in Florida to restrict LGBTQIA+ rights. Part of his new agenda has resulted in the seizing of control of Reedy Creek Improvement District which used to be the special taxing district for Disney World, which was self-governing, reports Yahoo.
As a result, DeSantis appointed new governing bodies to the district and they have announced the shutting down of The Walt Disney Co’s diversity, inclusivity and equity initiatives starting with the diversity, equity and inclusion committee being abolished.
These actions have not come without consequences as the media giant repeals many of their infrastructure plans that would have benefitted Florida’s tourism economy, reports Yahoo. In May, the company canned construction on a USD1 billion office campus and pulled the plug on a promising Star Wars hotel.
Forbes reports that DeSantis’ public stance against LGBTQIA+ and racial diversity is affecting tourism in more ways than the loss of Disney World. Six other conventions cancelled plans citing Florida’s controversial policies as a reason, which will cost the county’s economy upwards of USD20 million.
Pundits argue that DeSantis’ policies may win him support with his conservative base but will lose his state vital revenues.
