The debate over the new Florida Parental Rights in Education law has forced Disney into a balancing act between the expectations of a diverse workforce and demands from an increasingly polarized, politicized marketplace. The company’s CEO Bob Chapek has criticized the Florida legislation that opponents call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. On the other side, politicians like Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) have accused the entertainment conglomerate of bending to “woke” politics.
The issue has grown into a national debate, with New York Mayor Eric Adams even announcing an ad campaign to persuade LGBTQ Floridians upset about the new law to move to the Big Apple. It’s a topic of discussion not just for lawmakers but parkgoers, too.