Key Takeaways:
- The FCC is investigating Disney and ABC for possible DEI non-compliance.
- Trump targets DEI programs, claiming they cause discrimination.
- Disney’s diversity focus is under scrutiny by the FCC.
- Companies like Google and Amazon have cut back DEI initiatives.
- Historical diversity programs are being dismantled under Trump.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an investigation into Walt Disney Company and its subsidiary ABC, focusing on their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. This move is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to eliminate DEI programs across both government agencies and private companies.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by President Trump, expressed concerns in a letter to Disney CEO Robert Iger. Carr suggested that Disney’s DEI practices might not align with FCC regulations. He noted that Disney’s emphasis on race and gender diversity has influenced many company decisions, which he views critically. Earlier this year, Carr also targeted Comcast and NBCUniversal in a similar investigation.
President Trump has been vocal against DEI initiatives, arguing they lead to discrimination. Upon taking office, Trump terminated all federal DEI programs, fulfilling a campaign promise. These programs, rooted in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, aimed to promote equality and justice after centuries of systemic racism.
The impact of Trump’s policies extends beyond government. Major corporations such as Google, Meta, Amazon, and McDonald’s have significantly reduced or eliminated their DEI programs since Trump’s election. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) criticizes this approach, describing it as a ‘shock and awe’ tactic that overturns bipartisan policies designed to combat discrimination and inequality.
These changes have real-life consequences. Arlington National Cemetery has reportedly removed historical records of Black, Hispanic, and women veterans. Native American descendants, whose ancestors played crucial roles in WWII, are dismayed to find their heroes’ contributions erased from public records.
This crackdown on DEI efforts reflects a significant shift in how diversity is perceived and addressed in America. With the FCC’s investigation into Disney, it’s clear that no sector remains untouched by this policy change, raising concerns about the future of diversity initiatives in the U.S.