DeSantis-appointed officials cut Disney district’s DEI programs.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Eliminates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) made a significant announcement on Tuesday, revealing its decision to eliminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This move is part of a larger effort to reshape the government of the district, which includes the renowned Walt Disney World Resort.
The CFTOD board, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL), has been conducting a thorough evaluation of the district’s policies. These policies were previously implemented by the Reedy Creek Improvement District board, which was under Disney’s control.
Challenging the Status Quo
“The so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives were advanced during the tenure of the previous board, and they were illegal and simply un-American,”
said District Administrator Glenton Gilzean in a statement.
Gilzean, who previously served as the head of the Central Florida Urban League, a civil rights organization, emphasized the importance of unity within the community. He stated, “Our district will no longer participate in any attempt to divide us by race or advance the notion that we are not created equal. Our community thrives only when we work together despite our differences.”
The district estimates that cutting the DEI initiatives will result in significant cost savings, amounting to millions of dollars each year.
A Wave of Change
The elimination of DEI initiatives is just one of several changes implemented by the CFTOD board since taking over in February. This transition followed the signing of a bill by Governor DeSantis, which restructured the district’s government. Chairman Martin Garcia hinted at further changes during the adoption of a whistleblower policy in June, stating, “You will see at our next meeting, and the meetings after that, that we will continue to add policies and practices to make us a legitimately independent entity.”
The district is currently embroiled in legal disputes with Disney. The entertainment giant filed a lawsuit against the new government of the district and Governor DeSantis, alleging a “relentless campaign to weaponize government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint unpopular with certain State officials.” In response, the district filed a countersuit in an effort to protect its governing power. A judge ruled against Disney’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit in state court.
The conflict between Governor DeSantis and Disney originated from the entertainment giant’s denouncement of the Parental Rights in Education Act, which DeSantis signed into law last year.
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