Editor’s note: This piece originally published in The American Spectator and is reprinted below in its entirety.
Walt Disney established the Disney Company in 1923 for the sole purpose of entertaining children with fun-loving characters. It is one of the most iconic companies in the world, loved by most families. Disney’s theme parks are an important vacation attraction for most families located on three continents. Disney is the leading producer of family movies..
Disney’s new CEO Bob Chapek is now transforming Disney into Woke-Disney with his opposition to what the left mendaciously calls “Don’t Say Gay,” a Florida law forbidding public schools from teaching inappropriate gender identity or sexual orientation in grades K-3. The law does not use the word gay.
The parental rights law is clearly written to protect very young children from classes on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Walt Disney Company is now unjust, based on Adam Smith’s definition of Justice from 1776.
Propagandizing children with Woke progressive ideas can and will cause great harm to innocent children.
Florida’s HB 1557 is clear in its intent. “Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”
Disney CEO Bob Chapek mischaracterizes the nature of the law. He is also working to appeal HB 1557 or have it overturned by the courts. The only purpose of the law is to protect children from sexual propaganda. Bob Iger, the former CEO, is also opposed to this law.
Alice von Hildebrand, former Hunter College Philosophy professor, makes the following comment. “The great tragedy of today is that truth has been replaced by preferences, goodness by whim and beauty by ‘fun.’”
Governor Ron DeSantis has again distinguished himself as a courageous politician willing to protect the children of Florida and America, by signing and explaining the importance of this law.
Based on traditional American and Judeo-Christian values, Disney is now a rogue company, potentially causing great harm to its customers, namely the children of America. Woke-Disney is proving it cannot be trusted to protect the best interest of children.
Some Disney shareholders have already spoken publicly about Disney’s capitulation to activists’ pressure. The time has come for all Disney shareholders to demand that Disney return to its mission of protecting and entertaining our youth with wholesome content.
Robert L. Luddy is a business and educational entrepreneur and founder and president of CaptiveAire systems.