As one of Florida’s largest private employers and a big donor to local politicians, The Walt Disney Co. generally has a lot to say about legislation in the Sunshine State.
But when its chief executive tried to remain silent about the divisive bill concerning the teaching of sexual orientation or gender identity in Florida schools, employees called him out. CEO Bob Chapek ended up protesting the bill to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, suspending his company’s political giving in the state and publishing a personal apology.
Chapek’s about-face is a good example of how change occurs at big companies. Whatever the merits of this particular bill, and Chapek’s apology infuriated many of its supporters, most CEOs now recognize the power of employees, customers and other stakeholders in forcing corporations to uphold their stated values. And so they should.
