Walt Disney Co. chief executive Bob Chapek on Monday sent a lengthy email to employees to address the concerns of LGBTQ+ staff over the company’s public silence on legislation in Florida that would squelch discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. (LA Times / Company Town)
In the memo, Chapek wrote that he met Friday with a group of Disney’s LGBTQ+ leaders to discuss the legislation and its potential impact on their communities. He expressed the leadership team’s support for Disney’s employees and their families and the company’s commitment to inclusion—though Disney would not issue a statement. (Reuters)
Disney has faced mounting criticism for not taking a stand on Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which would ban educators from discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms. The bill—officially known as the Parental Rights in Education bill—is expected to become law in Florida and is supported by Governor Ron DeSantis. (CNN Business)
As for the decision not to release a statement, he told staff, “I do not want anyone to mistake a lack of a statement for a lack of support.” The CEO said he plans to discuss the issue further at the company’s Reimagine Tomorrow Summit in April (THR)
Disney has close to 80,000 employees in Florida as it continues to move most of its Southern California-based jobs not fully dedicated to Disneyland in its Parks, Experiences and Products Division to a new regional facility in central Florida. (Deadline)