Central Florida Tourism Oversight District removes diversity committee and associated job duties

Glenton Gilzean, the district's new administrator, has labeled the initiatives as "illegal and simply un-American." This move aligns with Governor DeSantis' stance on curtailing diversity programs in higher education and other areas. Last spring, DeSantis signed a law blocking public colleges from using funding on diversity programs. Additionally, he championed Florida's "Stop WOKE" law, prohibiting certain racial concept training in businesses, colleges, and schools.

The previous board of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District had awarded contracts based on goals of achieving racial or gender parity. This included a program requiring contractors to hire a certain quota of women and minority employees. However, with the takeover of the district by Governor DeSantis through legislation and the appointment of a new board of supervisors, these diversity programs have been canceled.

Disney, initially opposing a state law banning classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity, has taken legal action against Governor DeSantis and his board appointees. The company alleges a violation of free speech rights. The ongoing legal battle between Disney and Governor DeSantis holds broader implications for diversity programs and policies.

An internal investigation conducted by the oversight board revealed that contracts were awarded based on racial and gender goals. Previous contracts even threatened nonpayment and disqualification for contractors who did not meet diversity quotas. The district claims it had to pay millions more to hire contractors that met diversity requirements.

This legal battle also comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision in June, which declared college admissions programs that consider race unconstitutional. This decision potentially creates liability issues for companies with similar practices, as affirmative action and racially based hiring and promotion schemes violate the Civil Rights Act.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has removed its diversity committee and associated job duties. The district, now under the control of Governor Ron DeSantis' appointees, has faced legal action from Disney, alleging a violation of free speech rights. This ongoing legal battle brings attention to the broader implications for diversity programs and policies, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's recent decision.