As we reported earlier this week, numerous Disney employees all across America are planning to walk off their jobs today. This massive movement comes as the Walt Disney Company – and especially CEO Bob Chapek – continue to face backlash for their public response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
The bill, which would limit discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, has been the subject of debate since its inception.
READ: Disney Pledges $5 Million To Defend LGBTQ Rights
Ahead of the walkouts today, several sects of The Walt Disney Company have put out statements in solidarity with employees who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. These statements, while powerful and important, only illustrate the disconnect between those at the top and the hard-working community at the company’s foundation even more.
You can check out some of the statements below. We will continue to update this story with more statements as/if they are posted.
It is important to note that while some subsidiaries such as Pixar and Lucasfilm have not posted anything today, they previously voiced their support for the LGBTQ+ community, following the backlash Chapek received before, during, and immediately after this year’s Disney+ Day.
While Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who could sign the bill into law any day now, appears to be “very open” to discussions about bill and is eager to prevent the law from being “weaponized,” the fact that he doesn’t understand how the law is already a weapon itself is the problem.
This is a developing story, so keep it here for the latest from Florida.