Disney shifts focus as Trump targets diversity initiatives
Reuters reports that Disney joins a few of the largest companies in the U.S. that are responding to actions by the Trump administration aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
In January, just after taking office as President, Donald Trump signed an executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. According to AFP, a communication on X stated that the administration is taking steps to close/terminate all DEI initiatives, offices, and programs.
Reuters, quoting civil rights advocates, stated that such programs are necessary to address longstanding inequalities and structural racism. Nevertheless, Trump and his supporters argue that DEI programs lead to unfair discrimination against other Americans and undermine the importance of merit in hiring or promotion.
Disney makes changes: The effect of Trump's actions
Following actions initiated by the new President of the U.S. in this direction, Disney is now also trying to prevent intervention from the Trump administration by withdrawing from some initiatives.
This includes the "Reimagine Tomorrow" program, which is to be renamed "MyDisneyToday." As Reuters reminds, its goal was "to amplify the voice of underrepresented groups" and included commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Due to Trump's actions, Disney will no longer consider diversity in employee pay issues and will replace it with the so-called "Talent Strategy," focusing on business outcomes.
The history of diversity programs dates back to 1965, when then-President Lyndon Johnson signed an order on equal employment opportunities, ensuring that private companies receiving government contracts would not discriminate against job candidates based on race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
Source: Reuters, Nexta, PAP
