It is over diversity practices.
Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has initiated an inquiry into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to assess whether they may involve discriminatory practices. In a letter addressed to Disney CEO Robert Iger, Carr raised concerns that Disney, along with its ABC network, might be breaching FCC rules that prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, and other factors. Specifically, he questioned whether Disney’s DEI policies, which include race and gender-based criteria for hiring and content creation, could be in violation of these regulations.
Carr focused on Disney’s “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative, designed to enhance diversity and elevate underrepresented voices. This initiative established inclusion benchmarks for ABC, requiring a significant percentage of characters, writers, and production staff to come from marginalized groups. Carr warned that these practices might lead to the imposition of race and identity quotas in various aspects of production, from writing to vendor selection.
The investigation also noted ABC’s race-based hiring strategies, such as specialized fellowships and hiring databases. Carr further probed whether Disney executives’ bonuses were linked to DEI performance. He stressed that the FCC’s equal employment opportunity standards prohibit discriminatory actions, urging Disney to ensure its DEI policies align with these regulations.
In response, Disney indicated that it was reviewing the FCC’s letter and was open to discussions with the commission to resolve the matter. The scrutiny of Disney’s DEI policies aligns with a broader movement among certain political figures, including those from the Trump administration, to limit or eliminate DEI programs in both the public and private sectors. Several major corporations have already reduced or abandoned their DEI initiatives, citing shifts in government policy.
Carr’s actions contribute to ongoing debates about the role of DEI programs in corporate America, with some arguing that these initiatives foster discrimination, while others assert they are crucial for addressing historical inequalities. Legal challenges to efforts to curtail DEI programs persist, but the push for reform continues to gain traction among critics of these initiatives.
