DeSantis Continues to Fight for Equal Treatment: Diversity Programs Abolished at Disney World

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, now under Governor DeSantis' control, has made the significant decision to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion committee, along with any job duties connected to it. The district's previous board had awarded contracts based on achieving racial or gender parity, a practice that has now been discontinued. The canceled programs included a requirement for contractors to hire a certain quota of women and minority employees.

An internal investigation conducted by the oversight board revealed that contracts were awarded based on racial and gender goals, which potentially threatened contractors who did not meet diversity quotas with nonpayment and disqualification from future bidding. The district claims that these practices forced them to pay millions more to hire contractors that met diversity requirements. This raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of the previous system.

Governor DeSantis has been a vocal advocate for curtailing diversity programs, not only in the education sector but also in businesses and organizations. Last spring, he signed a law blocking public colleges from using funding on diversity programs, citing concerns about the constitutionality of considering race in admissions. Additionally, DeSantis championed Florida's "Stop WOKE" law, which prohibits businesses, colleges, and schools from providing training on certain racial concepts.

Disney initially opposed a state law banning classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity, indicating a potential clash of ideologies with Governor DeSantis. As a result, Disney sued DeSantis and his board appointees, claiming a violation of free speech rights. The company also challenged the takeover of the self-governing district, asserting that it was an act of retaliation against free speech.

The Supreme Court's decision in June, which declared college admissions programs considering race as unconstitutional, has created liability concerns for companies with similar practices. Affirmative action and racially based hiring and promotion schemes are increasingly being scrutinized for potential violations of the Civil Rights Act. Governor DeSantis' decision to abolish diversity programs at Disney World aligns with this legal landscape.

Governor Ron DeSantis' ongoing efforts to fight for equal treatment have led to the abolition of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at Disney World's governing district. This policy change reflects a broader movement to curtail diversity programs in various sectors, including higher education and businesses. While some criticize the decision, citing concerns about fairness and transparency, others see it as a necessary step towards ensuring equal treatment for all. As the legal landscape evolves, the implications of these changes will continue to shape the discourse surrounding diversity initiatives.