Disney reframes DEI as 'belonging' while navigating backlash

Faced with a broader retreat from DEI language, Disney removed some DEI terminology from public filings but shifted its public framing toward "belonging," and shareholders rejected a proposal to stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign index by about 99%.

Corporate debates over diversity, equity and inclusion intensified through 2025, and many large firms reduced public references to "DEI" amid political and public pressure. Disney faced a high-profile clash after the company's early response to Florida's Parental Rights in Education Act prompted employee protests and a later apology from CEO Bob Chapek. The dispute contributed to state action to dissolve Disney's Reedy Creek special district and a multi-year legal fight that settled in March 2024. Rather than defend contested terminology, Disney began emphasizing "belonging" and adjusted public disclosures while maintaining internal programs and governance attention. Key developments: - Gravity Research reported a 98% decline in use of the term "DEI" in corporate communications among Fortune 100 companies from January 2023 to May 2025. - In March 2022, Florida passed the Parental Rights in Education Act, and Disney's initial hesitation drew employee protests and an internal apology from CEO Bob Chapek; Disney paused political donations in Florida and publicly called for the law to be repealed or struck down, as reported. - Florida dissolved the Reedy Creek Improvement District, ending a longstanding governance arrangement for Disney property; a related legal dispute was settled in March 2024. - In November 2024, Fox Business reported Disney removed the words "diversity," "inclusion," and "DEI" from its annual business report and cut a dedicated section on goals to support underrepresented creatives. - When shareholders voted on a proposal to stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, about 99% rejected the measure, keeping Disney's participation intact. - In October 2025, Disney held its first Global Belonging Week, a five-day employee initiative using company storytelling and voluntary sessions to explore themes of belonging and inclusion. Summary: Disney's approach combined reduced public use of contested DEI terminology with continued internal commitments and governance oversight, reframing its public language toward "belonging." Undetermined at this time.