Disney softens content warnings amid broader DEI changes

• Disney is changing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies by softening content warnings on classic films and shifting internal initiatives. The updated warnings now state, “This program is presented as originally created and may contain stereotypes or negative depictions.”
• Disney is phasing out its “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative, redirecting it to the inclusion page, and changing executive performance evaluations from “diversity and inclusion” to “talent strategy.”
• These changes follow a trend of companies scaling back DEI programs. Disney pulled a transgender storyline from an upcoming Pixar series and addressed the shift in a memo emphasizing its core values.

Full Story

Disney is changing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The company has softened content warnings on classic films and shifted its internal initiatives.

Content advisories updated

The company has revised auto-play content disclaimers for some of its older movies.

In 2020, Disney updated its warnings to say, ”[This movie] includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of peoples or cultures.” Movies like “Dumbo” had this disclaimer due to racist portrayals in the 1940s film.

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However, according to Axios, the updated warning now states, “This program is presented as originally created and may contain stereotypes or negative depictions.”

Internal DEI programs change

Disney is also phasing out its “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative. Launched in 2022, the program aimed to amplify underrepresented voices.

Now, the initiative’s website redirects to Disney’s inclusion page, which outlines other company-led diversity efforts.

Performance evaluation shifts

The company is also changing how executives are evaluated on diversity efforts.

According to Axios, an internal email stated that leaders will now be graded on “talent strategy” instead of “diversity and inclusion.” This new metric assesses how well executives uphold company values while driving business success.

DEI rollback follows previous decisions

These changes come after a December report revealed that Disney pulled a transgender storyline from an upcoming Pixar series.

Disney statement on DEI changes

Disney addressed the shift in a memo sent to employees. According to Variety, the company wrote in part:

“Creating a welcoming and respectful environment for our employees and guests is core to our company culture and our business. Our values — integrity, creativity, collaboration, community, inclusion — guide our actions and how we treat each other.”

The bigger picture

Disney’s adjustments reflect a larger trend of companies scaling back DEI programs. As political and cultural shifts continue, the entertainment industry’s commitment to diversity remains under scrutiny.