Disney is making changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to a report from Axios, which includes dissolving the company’s Reimagine Tomorrow initiative.
Disney Changing DEI Programs, Ending Reimagine Tomorrow
According to the report, these changes are being made so that Disney can “focus more closely on business outcomes,” per a note sent to company employees on Tuesday.
In this note, Chief Human Resources Officer Sonia Coleman outlined the various ways that Disney’s DEI efforts will change.
Most notably, Disney will be ending its Reimagine Tomorrow initiative, along with its corresponding website. Disney recently removed the verbiage from its most recent corporate investor report filing for Q1FY25 earlier this month.
The initiative debuted in 2021 and was used to highlight Disney’s efforts in showcasing stories and talent from underrepresented communities. The initiative was not well received by conservatives, as America First Legal (AFL) filed a federal civil rights complaint against The Walt Disney Company for “violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by engaging in illegal race, sex, and national origin discrimination.”
Another change is that starting this fiscal year, Disney will replace its “Diversity & Inclusion” performance factor used to evaluate compensation for executives with the new “Talent Strategy.” This factor includes concepts from its predecessor, but is more focused on “how values drive business success.”
In addition, Disney has also rebranded its “Business” Employee Resource Groups (BERGs) to “Belonging” Employee Resource Groups. This change, which started in 2024, is meant to “highlight the focus on BERGs in strengthening the employee community and workplace experience.”
Axios also reports that, though not part of the company note, sources have confirmed that Disney is updating the content advisories that air before specific titles on Disney+, and moving that information to the “details” section of those films and shows.
These disclaimers are present on older titles, including “Dumbo” and “Peter Pan,” warning viewers that the films include “negative depictions and/or mistreatment of peoples or cultures.”
Per two sources familiar with the changes, these advisories will now read:
This program is presented as originally created and may contain stereotypes or negative depictions.
According to NPR, The Walt Disney Company is among many other companies and brands removing DEI phrasing from corporate filings.
Source: Axios
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