Exciting News: Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Abolishes DEI Programs at Walt Disney World!
In a groundbreaking announcement today, Glenton Gilzean, the District Administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, revealed that all DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs at Walt Disney World have been abolished. This decision comes after an internal investigation into the district’s policies, which uncovered discriminatory hiring and contracting practices that cost taxpayers millions of dollars.
As part of this move, the district’s DEI committee will be dissolved, and any DEI job duties will be eliminated. Additionally, employees of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District will no longer be allowed to use staff time for DEI initiatives.
This development is the latest chapter in the ongoing standoff between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Disney, one of the state’s largest employers and taxpayers. Disney, under the leadership of CEO Bob Iger, sued the governor for taking control of its autonomous district in response to the company’s criticism of legislation known as “Don’t Say Gay.” Governor DeSantis has been targeting speech, books, and education in his war on “wokeness.”
The decision to abolish DEI programs also follows the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action in college admissions. According to Gilzean, the previous board’s diversity initiatives were illegal and unamerican. He emphasized that the district will no longer participate in any attempts to divide people by race or promote the idea that we are not created equal. As a former head of the Central Florida Urban League, Gilzean believes that our community thrives when we work together, embracing our differences.
One of the key issues with the previous DEI programs was the Reedy Creek Improvement District’s practice of awarding contracts based on race and gender. The district implemented gender and racial quotas to ensure diversity among contractors, resulting in millions of dollars in additional costs. Contractors who failed to meet these quotas faced nonpayment and disqualification from future bidding.
This bold move by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District marks a significant shift in their approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By eliminating discriminatory practices and focusing on unity, the district aims to create a thriving community that celebrates and respects everyone. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking development!
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