Disney World District Abolishes DEI Programs Under DeSantis-Controlled Board

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, now controlled by appointees of Governor Ron DeSantis, has abolished diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, echoing the governor's agenda of curtailing such initiatives. The district's diversity committee and related job duties have been eliminated, along with initiatives aimed at achieving racial or gender parity in awarding contracts. The new district administrator, Glenton Gilzean, called these initiatives "illegal and simply un-American." This move follows DeSantis' signing of a law blocking public colleges from using funding for diversity programs and his support for the "Stop WOKE" law, which restricts training on certain racial concepts. The district's control was transferred to DeSantis appointees following a feud between Disney and the governor over a state law banning classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity.