The Disney Company will change its strategy to promote diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI). According to the online portal Axios, Head of Human Resources Sonia Coleman announced the changes in an internal memo to the employees. The „Diversity & Inclusion“ assessment for managers will be replaced by a „talent strategy“ that will be focused more on business success and company values.
Also repealed will the „Reimagine Tomorrow“ program, that was introduced in 2021. It focused on underrepresented groups and stipulated that 50 percent of the characters should come from minorities. It will now be continued under the new name „My Disney Today“, with a focus on talent development replacing ideological guidelines.
Furthermore reported but still unconfirmed is the the notice, that advices that run before older titles such as „Dumbo“ and „Peter Pan,“ warning viewers that the movie „contains negative portrayals and/or mistreatment of peoples or cultures“ will be replaced. There will be a shortened notice in the details section that reads „This program is presented as it was originally created and may contain stereotypes or negative portrayals,“.
Disney thus joins the growing number of US companies that are ending or at least modifying their diversity and equality programs altogether.