Disney is making noticeable changes to its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, signaling a strategic shift amid a broader corporate reevaluation of such programs. An internal memo from Chief Human Resources Officer Sonia Coleman outlines adjustments that will reshape how the company approaches diversity-related goals, executive compensation, and content messaging.
One of the most significant changes involves replacing the Diversity & Inclusion performance factor—previously used to evaluate executive pay—with a new Talent Strategy metric. While elements of the original initiative will remain, the new measurement prioritizes values that contribute to overall success rather than focusing solely on diversity benchmarks.
Another major development is the quiet discontinuation of Disney’s Reimagine Tomorrow initiative, which aimed to highlight underrepresented voices in storytelling. The initiative, once featured prominently on Disney’s corporate website, was removed in December.
It was also housed within an internal employee hub that contained controversial DEI training materials, some of which sparked public backlash when leaked in 2021. Journalist Christopher Rufo exposed documents that framed the U.S. as systemically racist and promoted equity over equality, urging employees to adopt a progressive ideological framework.
Disney is also rebranding its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which will now be called Belonging Employee Resource Groups (BERGs). The company describes this shift as an effort to strengthen employee community and workplace experience, marking a softer and potentially less polarizing approach to employee engagement.
On the consumer-facing side, classic Disney films like Dumbo and Peter Pan, which previously carried content warnings for outdated cultural depictions, will now feature a more general advisory stating, “This program is presented as originally created and may contain stereotypes or negative depictions.” This adjustment reflects a broader move to balance historical accuracy with modern sensibilities without alienating audiences.
Disney’s course correction comes as multiple major corporations reassess their DEI strategies in response to shifting political and economic landscapes. With President Donald Trump back in office, companies like Google, Meta, Amazon, Walmart, and Target have begun scaling back or reworking their DEI programs, while others, such as Costco and Apple, continue to champion them.
For Disney, these changes also serve a reputational purpose. The company has faced significant backlash over its progressive turn in recent years, particularly after leaked internal discussions revealed a push for LGBTQ+ representation in children’s content and a high-profile political clash with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. A string of underwhelming box office performances for films with overt social messaging further raised questions about Disney’s brand direction.
Bob Iger’s return as CEO appears to be steering the company back toward a more politically neutral stance. In a 2023 shareholder meeting, Iger emphasized that Disney’s “primary mission needs to be to entertain,” rather than pushing an ideological agenda.