Disney execs pen letter of diversity solidarity during protests

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

The top brass over at The Walt Disney Company have issued a letter to employees confirming their vow to "strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion everywhere" as the United States, nay, the world, continues to witness protests sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Floyd died on May 25 after being held face-down by three police officers while a fourth stood by and watched. The tragic incident was captured on camera, confirming that one officer had pinned Floyd's neck with his knee — effectively suffocating Floyd to death where he lay.

The letter, titled "Resolve in a Time of Unrest: A Message to Fellow Employees," was signed by CEO Bob Chapek, Executive Chairman Bob Iger and Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton. Iger posted a link to the letter via his personal Twitter account over the weekend, thereby placing Disney's stance against violence on display for all Mouseketeers to see. 

In the letter, Disney acknowledges that "the recent killing of George Floyd as well as other instances of lethal attacks and harassment of unarmed black citizens in our nation continue to drive outrage and calls for action by people of all cultural backgrounds, including many of our employees. Feelings of grief and anger cause us to confront the inscrutable idea that the lives of some are deemed less valuable – and less worthy of dignity, care and protection – than the lives of others."

Later, the letter states that Disney is committed to talking compassionately, constructively, and openly about matters that affect the well being and safety of their employees. Furthermore, Disney has pledged to keep these conversations going for as long as it takes to bring about "real change."

You can read Disney's statement in its entirety below:

Dear Fellow Employee,

The recent killing of George Floyd as well as other instances of lethal attacks and harassment of unarmed black citizens in our nation continue to drive outrage and calls for action by people of all cultural backgrounds, including many of our employees. Feelings of grief and anger cause us to confront the inscrutable idea that the lives of some are deemed less valuable – and less worthy of dignity, care and protection – than the lives of others.

While these devastating incidents are not new, there’s something unique about what’s happening in this moment. The pandemic coupled with these recent injustices have pushed the issues of racial disparity into the open.

We, too, are struggling to make sense of the recent tragedies that leave us feeling overcome with sorrow. While we don’t have all the answers, we resolve to use our compassion, our creative ideas and our collective sense of humanity to ensure we are fostering a culture that acknowledges our people’s feelings and their pain. We also realize that now more than ever is the time for us all to further strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion everywhere.

We intend to focus our efforts and resources to compassionately and constructively talk about these matters openly and honestly as we seek solutions. We intend to keep the conversation going, not just today, but for as long as it takes to bring about real change.

Bob Chapek, Bob Iger & Latondra Newton