(Los Angeles Times) A group of Walt Disney Co. employees has organized a series of walkouts to protest the Burbank entertainment giant’s response to Florida’s controversial bill limiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The plans come after Disney Chief Executive Bob Chapek on Friday apologized to staff for initially declining to publicly condemn the legislation, which opponents have labeled a “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Chapek said Disney would pause political donations in the state while the company comes up with a new framework for advocacy, including campaign giving. “You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down,” Chapek said in his mea culpa. “I am sorry.”
The protest organizers put up a website that includes a list of “demands” for the company to take “to regain the trust of the LGBTQIA+ community and employees.”