Disney Promises ‘Real Change’ In Letter To Its Employees About Diversity And Social Justice – CINEMABLEND

Disney executives Bob Chapek, Bob Iger and LaTondra Newton sent an email to all of the entertainment giant’s employees this weekend promising “real change” and commitment to “diversity and inclusion everywhere.” The message was later made public and has since been circulating widely, just one of many statements offered up over the past few days by entertainment creators in response to the murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests that have spread throughout many cities in the United States.

The four paragraph letter argues Disney will work to foster “a culture that acknowledges our people’s feelings and pain.” It also admits that many of those calls for change are coming from Disney employees themselves, which is why it’s important the letter came from Chapek, Iger and Newton. LaTondra Newton may not be a name familiar to many outside of Disney, but she’s a Senior Vice President and the Chief Diversity Officer for the Mouse House. 

The former Toyota executive was hired three years ago to help elevate other voices and bring more inclusion to Disney. She’s participated in campaigns like Lean In in the past, and now she’s front and center on this statement alongside Disney’s two biggest names: Chapek and Iger.