Disney Ends Diversity and Inclusion Effort, Purges Inclusive Language Forever

In a move that has sparked discussions about the company’s evolving stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Disney has recently rolled out updated messaging to its Cast Members through an email sent earlier today. This email, delivered by Chief Human Resources Officer Sonia Coleman, details key changes that Disney will be making to its DEI strategy, signaling a shift in priorities. The email follows reports of Disney scaling back DEI-related messaging targeted at investors, adding further context to the company’s evolving stance on inclusivity within its operations.

As part of this shift, BlogMickey.com has confirmed that Disney’s “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative, which previously operated as a flagship DEI platform, is being phased out. The “Reimagine Tomorrow” website has now redirected to Disney’s newly established Inclusion page, marking a visible change in how the company presents its DEI initiatives to the public and internal stakeholders.

The Transition: Key Changes to Disney’s DEI Programs

According to the email from Coleman, there are several significant changes to the company’s DEI efforts, many of which have already been noticed by industry observers. The changes include a major rebranding of Disney’s internal and external DEI platforms, such as the “Belonging” page, which was launched recently on Disney’s corporate website. Here’s a closer look at the main adjustments outlined in the email:

1. Shift from Diversity & Inclusion to Talent Strategy: Disney has announced that starting this fiscal year, it will replace the “Diversity & Inclusion” factor that had been used to assess executive performance and compensation. The new “Talent Strategy” factor will continue to incorporate the spirit of the former diversity and inclusion initiatives, but it will have a broader focus on aligning values with business success. This shift reflects a move toward embedding these values into the company’s long-term strategic goals rather than using them as separate measures of success.
2. Phase-Out of “Reimagine Tomorrow” Initiative: The “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative, which Disney had used as a platform to highlight stories from underrepresented communities, is officially being retired. This website, which had featured content centered around diversity and inclusion, has already been replaced externally by a revamped hub on Disney’s corporate website. This transition indicates a narrowing of Disney’s DEI approach, which will now be integrated more directly into the company’s overarching corporate strategies.
3. Rebranding of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Disney has rebranded its “Business” Employee Resource Groups (BERGs) to “Belonging” Employee Resource Groups. The change, which began last year, is intended to shift the focus of these groups from simply supporting business goals to emphasizing the importance of strengthening community and fostering an inclusive workplace experience for all employees. This rebranding effort signifies a broader commitment to inclusivity within Disney’s internal culture.
4. Removal of Auto-Play Disclaimers for Certain Movies: Axios reports that Disney has decided to remove the auto-play disclaimers that previously appeared before some films on Disney+. These disclaimers, which warned viewers about outdated stereotypes and racial depictions, will no longer automatically appear before movies such as Dumbo, Peter Pan, and The Jungle Book. Instead, the messages will be relocated to the written details section for these films. Disney had introduced these warnings in an effort to acknowledge the harm caused by some of its older content, including films that feature racial stereotypes and negative cultural depictions.

The Controversial Disclaimers: Reactions and Implications

For context, films like Dumbo, Peter Pan, and The Jungle Book had previously featured auto-play disclaimers that stated, “This programme includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures.” The message also emphasized that “These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now,” with Disney explaining its intention to acknowledge the harmful impact of such content and foster a conversation around creating a more inclusive future.

Movies such as The Aristocats, which featured a cat playing the piano with chopsticks, and Lady and the Tramp, which had several instances of racism, were also part of this initiative. However, now Disney will remove the warning from the films themselves, replacing it with a more passive disclaimer in the film’s information section on Disney+.

The Continued Evolution of DEI Efforts: A Broader Strategy

The shifting landscape of Disney’s DEI efforts comes amid growing concerns within the company about its approach to diversity and the increasing pressures from outside forces, including conservative political groups. As part of these ongoing changes, Disney’s scaling back of DEI programs marks a notable departure from its previous focus on being a leader in promoting social justice within the corporate world.

Under CEO Bob Iger’s leadership, Disney had championed progressive policies, including taking a firm stand against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” legislation in 2022. This decision was a powerful moment for Disney, as Cast Members pushed the company to speak out on behalf of LGBTQ+ rights, and Iger’s town hall comments showed his support for a more inclusive environment.

However, with the evolving political climate and an anticipated second term under President Trump, Disney appears to be recalibrating its stance. In a recent town hall, Iger acknowledged the importance of listening to audiences and not allowing “woke” movies to alienate viewers, suggesting that Disney’s strategy would take a more balanced approach. He stated that while Disney would continue to do the right thing, the company would also need to be mindful of the broader societal impact, which could include adjusting some of its DEI efforts.

Reactions to the Changes: What Does This Mean for Disney’s Future?

The changes to Disney’s DEI messaging, including the scaling back of efforts such as the removal of the “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative, will likely have significant consequences for how the company is perceived by various groups. On one hand, these changes may appeal to a conservative audience that feels Disney has leaned too far into social justice causes. On the other hand, there is a risk that these changes may alienate the company’s progressive base and even some of its employees who have relied on Disney’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

For Disney’s Cast Members, the rebranding of Employee Resource Groups to “Belonging” ERGs may provide some reassurance that the company is still focused on creating an inclusive work environment. However, the overall shift toward aligning DEI with business objectives, rather than prioritizing social justice initiatives, could signal a fundamental change in the company’s corporate culture.

As more details about Disney’s shifting DEI policies emerge, it will be interesting to see how the company navigates this delicate balance. Disney’s long-term success in maintaining its values while addressing potential backlash will likely depend on its ability to demonstrate that its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion remains genuine, even as it adapts to the evolving political landscape.

The road ahead for Disney is undoubtedly complex, and while the company may continue to evolve its DEI messaging, the impact of these changes on Disney’s reputation and its relationship with employees, audiences, and investors will likely unfold in the coming months.