Wow.
Just… wow.
Yesterday we covered how The Walt Disney Company is now being hammered by both the left and the right over their position regarding the legislation in Florida that prohibits sex and gender theory coverage as part of classroom curriculum in kindergarten through third grade. In effect, the legislation prevents lessons from being developed around topics like gender fluidity, transsexualism, etc, in a class for five-year-olds. You make your own decision whether or not you support that. Disney, under Bob Chapek’s leadership, is taking a hard position on it and apologizing for not doing so earlier. In fact Disney is now going so far as to commit to lobbying against such legislation in other states.
Ron DeSantis took a call from the most powerful corporation in his state and told them to pound sand. Teddy Roosevelt.pic.twitter.com/iwV0xScgWg
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) March 10, 2022
To my fellow colleagues, but especially our LGBTQ+ community,
Thank you to all who have reached out to me sharing your pain, frustration and sadness over the company’s response to the Florida “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was. It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but instead yet another challenge to basic human rights. You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry.
Our employees see the power of this great company as an opportunity to do good. I agree. Yes, we need to use our influence to promote that good by telling inclusive stories, but also by standing up for the rights of all.
Starting immediately, we are increasing our support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states. We are hard at work creating a new framework for our political giving that will ensure our advocacy better reflects our values. And today, we are pausing all political donations in the state of Florida pending this review. But, I know there is so much more work to be done. I am committed to this work and to you all, and will continue to engage with the LGBTQ+ community so that I can become a better ally. You will hear more about our progress in the coming weeks.
I truly believe we are an infinitely better and stronger company because of our LGBTQ+ community. I missed the mark in this case but am an ally you can count on and I will be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility, and opportunity you deserve.
Whether you think this is a good idea or a bad idea, this puts The Walt Disney Company squarely in the political realm as an active combatant in the culture war, and completely at odds with Republicans, conservatives, many moderates, and anyone who supports the right of parents to decline sex education for small children in public schools. Again, you may think Disney is making a wise choice or that they are supporting a wise choice. But that’s where Disney is now.
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