Disney Under Pressure: The Backlash of the DEI Ending Executive Order

A Shift in the Wind at the Walt Disney Company

During President Trump’s second term, the Walt Disney Company is experiencing a different kind of regime. The effects of the Executive Order ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are being felt across the country, including at major companies like Target, Walmart, PBS, and more. However, Disney has taken a different approach, deciding not to join the ranks of those who have bowed to the pressure.

A Memo from Disney HR Chief Sonia Coleman

Earlier this week, Disney HR Chief Sonia Coleman sent a memo to employees stating that the company is disbanding and altering its diversity initiatives in order to align with "business goals and company values." According to Deadline, the move is intended to reflect the company’s values rather than any specific adherence to Trump’s Executive Orders. While some see this as a sign of appeasement, others view it as a desperate attempt to placate conservative rhetoric.

Concerns Among Disney Staffers

The decision has sparked concerns among Disney staffers, who feel that the company is backtracking on its commitment to diversity and inclusion. "What’s next? Where do we go from here? What do we stand for now, keeping MAGA happy?" an insider told Deadline. "This is not what I expected from Bob Iger— I thought he had our back."

A Backlash of Censorship

Disney has been under fire for multiple instances of pulling storylines from upcoming animated series that focused on transgender characters. This decision has been met with criticism from cast members, who feel that the company is not doing enough to defend its creative talent from bad-faith criticism and harassment.

A History of Censorship

The cultural backlash over the response to the Star Wars streaming series The Acolyte last year is another indicator that Disney is moving towards appeasement towards right-leaning talking points. The show was cancelled despite its success, drawing criticism from cast members and sparking a heated debate about the company’s response to criticism.

A New Agenda for Disney

It seems that Disney’s agenda across the next four years will be less about standing up for its values and more about rolling over to meet the demands of conservative rhetoric. Instead of putting its feet down, Disney appears to be willing to compromise on its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As one cast member put it, "They have got to stop doing this thing where they don’t say anything when people are getting fucking dog-piled on the internet with racism and bullshit."