As the political climate grows increasingly fraught in the area of diversity and inclusion, The Walt Disney Company has seemingly backed away from some of its diversity policies.
It’s been less than a month since President Donald Trump took office for a second time, but a lot has already changed under his leadership. Since the day of his inaugural address, Trump has initiated over 50 executive orders to action his policies on the likes of immigration and citizenship, as well as diversity and inclusion.
Among the latter is his declaration that the U.S. government only recognizes two genders, as well as banning transgender athletes from women’s sports and ending all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs, policies, and mandates across the federal government.
While it’ll take time to see the full extent of how these policies impact public companies, a report from NPR claims that several – The Walt Disney Company included – have already started making changes to their own approach to diversity.
Disney reportedly shortened the “diversity, equity and inclusion” section of its most recent annual report, filed in November (the same month Trump beat out Joe Biden in the presidential election). It also removed 2023’s references to a website used “for amplifying underrepresented voices” and highlighting “some of Disney’s DE&I commitments and actions.” As per NPR, a Disney spokesperson declined to comment.
NPR’s analysis also found that the likes of Google, GM, GE, Pepsi, Intel, PayPal, Chipotle, Comcast, 3M, Regeneron, and Philip Morris have also softened their approaches to diversity and inclusion. Some told NPR that they are re-evaluating some of their DEI programs in addition to examining the implications of Trump’s executive orders.
According to experts, this “quiet quitting” of diversity and inclusion is the most likely path many companies will tread in the coming months. As Shiva Rajgopal, a professor of accounting and auditing at Columbia University, told NPR, “It makes very little sense to issue a press release saying, ‘I’m going to stop’ — because that’s like waving a red flag to a bull. Whenever practices change, the folks who drop them silently are usually in the majority.”
The Walt Disney Company still boasts a page on its website promoting its internal diversity ethos. “At Disney, we want everyone to feel they belong,” it reads. “The Walt Disney Company is committed to creating a diverse workforce of talented people who foster an inclusive company culture that enables us to expand our reach across global markets and make a positive impact on our communities.”
A separate page champions its commitment to building “supportive work environments that drive innovation and reinforce a culture in which all employees feel welcome, respected, and valued” and highlights the fact that Disney is “a leader in LGBTQ+ workplace equality.” It also stresses its investment in development programs such as the Black Talent Network, Women’s Talent Network for Asian American Pacific Islanders, and the Women’s Talent Network for Latina talent. “These initiatives expand exposure for executives across the Company and provide opportunities for development and career growth,” it reads.
There’s plenty of evidence of Disney’s culture of diversity and inclusion in recent years, such as challenging gender norms through its cast members who work at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and opening up auditions for female characters to “female-identifying” performers, to the increasing visibility of LGBTIQA+ characters in films and TV shows such as Strange World (2022), Agatha, and Lightyear (2022).
However, Disney has also been slammed for seemingly withdrawing from this open attitude. In December 2024, The Hollywood Reporter reported that a storyline involving a transgender character had been cut from the show. “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline,” Disney said in a statement.
Similarly, a line was allegedly cut from The Marvels (2023) that would’ve confirmed that Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) were previously in a relationship.
What do you think of the changes in Disney’s approach to diversity and inclusion?
The post REPORT: Disney Retreats, Backs Down Amid Trump’s Anti-Diversity and Inclusion Calls appeared first on Inside the Magic.
