Bob Chapek's response to Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill

[Angel Ariel]

Apologies. I misread your post. No, your rights as a parent only apply to YOUR child.

Parents have been able to go in and read to classes for decades. Making something nefarious out of that - or out of a teacher reading storybooks that’s provide representation for all families - is really messed up.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

He's only been CEO for just over 2 years now and has already gotten himself into multiple, high-profile PR bungles (most notably this Bill and the fight with Scarlet Johansson).

One has to question how many of these he can get away with, even if the stock price is considered OK.

Completely agree and you have to wonder what is going on. Is it something to do with him personally, that most of the talent in the communications team left with Iger, or a combination of the two.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

It is pretty ugly. Where do you draw the line? Some don't want a line which is absurd, IMHO. Others say the line isn't defined well enough. The bill is vague no doubt. I just have to question WHY someone would want these teachings in the classroom. There's a better forum.

Last thing I’ll say…

I don’t think anyone WANTS to teach anything about this. But how do you do your job if a situation arises and you are forbidden to even attempt to help a child. I don’t see any scenario where a teacher wants to teach sexuality in 1st grade. But I don’t think they’d want to ignore a struggling or hurting kid under any circumstances. Teachers/administrators have compassion…or they wouldn’t be there. I don’t know how to handle kids in a school…I also know I wouldn’t want my opinion to cause kids pain. So I have to live in a world where I trust those on the ground who are trained and experienced to make the right calls.

 

[ᗩLᘿᑕ ✨ ᗩζᗩᗰ]

Last thing I’ll say…

I don’t think anyone WANTS to teach anything about this. But how do you do your job if a situation arises and you are forbidden to even attempt to help a child. I don’t see any scenario where a teacher wants to teach sexuality in 1st grade. But I don’t think they’d want to ignore a struggling or hurting kid under any circumstances. Teachers/administrators have compassion…or they wouldn’t be there. I don’t know how to handle kids in a school…I also know I wouldn’t want my opinion to cause kids pain. So I have to live in a world where I trust those on the ground who are trained and experienced to make the right calls.

Take it to the parents.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/03/10/florida-legislature-passes-anti-woke-bill/

If I worked for Disney, or any other company, really, and I was told that I had to move to Florida from California, I’d quit and find another job.

That campus move to Florida to get back at Anaheim and cut jobs…which is all it really is when the BS is cut through…is a horrible move. If they didn’t see the nuthouse Florida had become prior to announcement…then shame on them.

I don't want to gratuitously bash Florida, but I do think the different social and political climate is relevant when talking about moving particularly a bunch of creative people from Southern California to Florida. The two states are currently poster children for polar opposite social values, something that will matter to the actual human beings who have to uproot their lives and the lives of their family to reduce Disney's tax bill. I do wonder how this is playing out internally considering all the resentment the lack of consultation over the move had already caused within WDI.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Last thing I’ll say…

I don’t think anyone WANTS to teach anything about this. But how do you do your job if a situation arises and you are forbidden to even attempt to help a child. I don’t see any scenario where a teacher wants to teach sexuality in 1st grade. But I don’t think they’d want to ignore a struggling or hurting kid under any circumstances. Teachers/administrators have compassion…or they wouldn’t be there. I don’t know how to handle kids in a school…I also know I wouldn’t want my opinion to cause kids pain. So I have to live in a world where I trust those on the ground who are trained and experienced to make the right calls.

Thank you.

Have people even stopped to think for a moment that this very easily could restrict districts teaching basic things like good touch/bad touch? So children have age appropriate tools to recognize if they are being abused and can ask a trusted adult for help? All of that could be considered teaching “sexuality”. While we all may hate it, the reality is there are kids in k-3 who are abused. And in some cases it may be the parent who is abusing them. Or a family member. Or another teacher in the building. So if school isn’t teaching it, they may not know. There were arrests in our district just before the pandemic from teachers abusing elementary students in an intellectual disability classroom, and the principal covering it up.

This bill isn’t about keeping kids safe. It’s about adults putting their fears into laws.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I don't want to gratuitously bash Florida, but I do think the different social and political climate is relevant when talking about moving particularly a bunch of creative people from Southern California to Florida. The two states are currently poster children for polar opposite social values, something that will matter to the actual human beings who have to uproot their lives and the lives of their family to reduce Disney's tax bill. I do wonder how this is playing out internally considering all the resentment the lack of consultation over the move had already caused within WDI.

I don’t want to come off as if I’m bashing Florida either. Florida is being named because it’s the state that’s involved regarding the discussion surrounding WDI employees moving.

This would be the case for any state for any reason of moving, I assume. I assume that people, especially people with families, look into certain things about a state or states if they’re considering moving to said state(s), like politics, quality of education, resources and amenities, things to do, etc.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

Thank you.

Have people even stopped to think for a moment that this very easily could restrict districts teaching basic things like good touch/bad touch? So children have age appropriate tools to recognize if they are being abused and can ask a trusted adult for help? All of that could be considered teaching “sexuality”. While we all may hate it, the reality is there are kids in k-3 who are abused. And in some cases it may be the parent who is abusing them. Or a family member. Or another teacher in the building. So if school isn’t teaching it, they may not know. There were arrests in our district just before the pandemic from teachers abusing elementary students in an intellectual disability classroom, and the principal covering it up.

This bill isn’t about keeping kids safe. It’s about adults putting their fears into laws.

This is why I'm of the strong opinion that people who aren't raising a child who is attending public school should have no say in what happens in a public school. This bill is a case of an old, straight, white man putting his own fears (which have no basis in reality) into law.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

I don’t want to come off as if I’m bashing Florida either. Florida is being named because it’s the state that’s involved regarding the discussion surrounding WDI employees moving.

This would be the case for any state for any reason of moving, I assume. I assume that people, especially people with families, look into certain things about a state or states if they’re considering moving to said state(s), like politics, quality of education, resources and amenities, things to do, etc.

Oh, 100%! This is why I wonder what the discussions are like internally, as I imagine some were already uneasy about the political and social climate in Florida compared to California. Personally, I would be looking at all of these things and thinking "this is where you want me to move?" Others, no doubt, are far more sympathetic with what's going on in Florida and may be looking forward to the move. Maybe Chapek can show some solidarity and relocate to the suburbs of Central Florida as well to defuse any anxiety.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Oh, 100%! This is why I wonder what the discussions are like internally, as I imagine some were already uneasy about the political and social climate in Florida compared to California. Personally, I would be looking at all of these things and thinking "this is where you want me to move?" Others, no doubt, are far more sympathetic with what's going on in Florida and may be looking forward to the move. Maybe Chapek can show some solidarity and relocate to the suburbs of Central Florida as well to defuse any anxiety.

Me, too! I’m from liberal Los Angeles. I support gay rights to the fullest. I went to a high school that voted for a boy to be prom queen. I’m from a very pro-gay/gay-friendly place. I’m not a parent, but if I were, thinking about my children, I would prefer for them to be surrounded by similar ideals and grow up in a state with pro-gay laws and statutes. Therefore, as it stands currently, Florida would not be considered if I were to move to a different state.

I’m also curious about what those who are being asked to move are thinking. I’m sure some have no issue with it, while others feeling differently.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Ron going directly after Disney is a fight that feels like its lost before it even starts.

Disney has been involved with Florida politics for over half a century now. They directly employ tens of thousands of state residents and indirectly support hundreds of businesses because of people wanting to go to Florida specifically for WDW and the Cruise Line.

Losing political donations from one of the most high-profile corporations in the state is a major blow to him and his party. Not sure if getting the base riled up will be enough to help him in the long term.

WDW was around before DeSantis was even born. They'll be there no matter who is governor and probably don't care if it doesn't help them.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

Ron going directly after Disney is a fight that feels like its lost before it even starts.

Disney has been involved with Florida politics for over half a century now. They directly employ tens of thousands of state residents and indirectly support hundreds of businesses because of people wanting to go to Florida specifically for WDW and the Cruise Line.

Losing political donations from one of the most high-profile corporations in the state is a major blow to him and his party. Not sure if getting the base riled up will be enough to help him in the long term.

Not to mention that Disney is a HUGE conglomerate...they're not just in Florida. If DeSantis is really eyeing a presidential run, he might do well not to anger the employees (and friends and family) of people who work for The Mouse.

 

[donaldtoo]

We’re just sooooo damn glad our 3 kiddos are way past public school. The agenda is just sooooo friggin’ outta’ whack now. You’re a flippin’ teacher, so flippin’ teach the basics, and save your social for your nights or weekends. Don’t blow your social crap into my children’s faces…!!!!!
Our kids were in a very well-respected school district, and they all (including born at 1lb. 4oz. special needs son) got a good education, and respect all.
Yea, this garbage es me off. They’re little kids, so just teach, and beyond that just shut your pie hole.
Damn, I miss the good ol’ days…
Our youngest daughter was bein’ bullied during her junior year of HS. We didn’t know until she finally broke down and showed us a text from a boy that was one of the bullies. I can’t even come remotely close to repeating what was in that text, but, I was so ed I couldn’t even see straight.
I texted the little rat er back from her phone that if he, or any of the other turds, ever screwed with my daughter again, that there was gonna’ be hell to pay…
I would start by going to the school, then the police, then…
I knew who he was, where he lived (and the rest of ‘em), etc.
She was NEVER tormented by those freaks again.
Try gettin’ away with that these days, and the little f’er’s will find a way to turn it on you.
The teachers are turning little children into social activists instead of just teaching…pathetic losers.

 

[EricsBiscuit]

Sorry if you find that a teacher explaining to kids that one of their classmates shouldn't be bullied because she has two moms is "perverted," but Disney is a welcoming place and if you have problems with LGBT persons, perhaps its not for you.

We both know that is not what this bill is about.

Ron going directly after Disney is a fight that feels like its lost before it even starts.

Disney has been involved with Florida politics for over half a century now. They directly employ tens of thousands of state residents and indirectly support hundreds of businesses because of people wanting to go to Florida specifically for WDW and the Cruise Line.

Losing political donations from one of the most high-profile corporations in the state is a major blow to him and his party. Not sure if getting the base riled up will be enough to help him in the long term.

WDW was around before DeSantis was even born. They'll be there no matter who is governor and probably don't care if it doesn't help them.

I don’t know how how Ron will survive without *checks paper* the whopping $50,000 from Disney! Lol. Ron is a future president. If not 2024, 2028. He will cruise to re-election in FL and his trajectory is only up from there.

 

[lazyboy97o]

We’re just sooooo damn glad our 3 kiddos are way past public school. The agenda is just sooooo friggin’ outta’ whack now. You’re a flippin’ teacher, so flippin’ teach the basics, and save your social **** for your nights or weekends. Don’t blow your social crap into my children’s faces…!!!!!
Our kids were in a very well-respected school district, and they all (including born at 1lb. 4oz. special needs son) got a good education, and respect all.
Yea, this garbage ****es me off. They’re little kids, so just teach, and beyond that just shut your pie hole.
Damn, I miss the good ol’ days…
Our youngest daughter was bein’ bullied during her junior year of HS. We didn’t know until she finally broke down and showed us a text from a boy that was one of the bullies. I can’t even come remotely close to repeating what was in that text, but, I was so ****ed I couldn’t even see straight.
I texted the little rat ****er back from her phone that if he, or any of the other turds, ever screwed with my daughter again, that there was gonna’ be hell to pay…
I would start by going to the school, then the police, then…
I knew who he was, where he lived (and the rest of ‘em), etc.
She was NEVER tormented by those freaks again.
Try gettin’ away with that these days, and the little f’er’s will find a way to turn it on you.
The teachers are turning little children into social activists instead of just teaching…pathetic losers.

And yet you want schools to not stop bullying?

 

[ImperfectPixie]

And yet you want schools to not stop bullying?

This kind of bill is the same kind that would seek to eliminate inclusion classrooms for children with autism. There are ignorant people out there who think that's a "spreadable condition", too.

 

[donaldtoo]

And yet you want schools to not stop bullying?

Yes, because that’s exactly what I said…NOT…!!!!!
My point was, that I handled it myself.
Who trusts a teacher anymore to handle anything…?!?!?!
I was, ultimately, just talking about the sexual identity aspect.
Of course, no child that has 2 moms, etc., should be bullied.
Our special needs son was bullied to a point too, and guess who handled that…my wife actually…she can be a hellcat…!!!!!

 

[lazyboy97o]

Yes, because that’s exactly what I said…NOT…!!!!!
My point was, that I handled it myself.
Who trusts a teacher anymore to handle anything…?!?!?!
I was, ultimately, just talking about the sexual identity aspect.
Of course, no child that has 2 moms, etc., should be bullied.
Our special needs son was bullied to a point too, and guess who handled that…my wife actually…she can be a hellcat…!!!!!

You said “I would start by going to the school.” This bill allows school districts to be sued if another parent thinks the bullying is okay and saying otherwise is “inappropriate”.

 

[donaldtoo]

You said “I would start by going to the school.” This bill allows school districts to be sued if another parent thinks the bullying is okay and saying otherwise is “inappropriate”.

I don’t even get that…
Why would any parent say bullying of any kind is OK…?!?!?!
Please explain in more detail.
And again, I’m just talking about the overall agenda for little children being wayyyyy outta’ whack.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

We’re just sooooo damn glad our 3 kiddos are way past public school. The agenda is just sooooo friggin’ outta’ whack now. You’re a flippin’ teacher, so flippin’ teach the basics, and save your social **** for your nights or weekends. Don’t blow your social crap into my children’s faces…!!!!!
Our kids were in a very well-respected school district, and they all (including born at 1lb. 4oz. special needs son) got a good education, and respect all.
Yea, this garbage ****es me off. They’re little kids, so just teach, and beyond that just shut your pie hole.
Damn, I miss the good ol’ days…
Our youngest daughter was bein’ bullied during her junior year of HS. We didn’t know until she finally broke down and showed us a text from a boy that was one of the bullies. I can’t even come remotely close to repeating what was in that text, but, I was so ****ed I couldn’t even see straight.
I texted the little rat ****er back from her phone that if he, or any of the other turds, ever screwed with my daughter again, that there was gonna’ be hell to pay…
I would start by going to the school, then the police, then…
I knew who he was, where he lived (and the rest of ‘em), etc.
She was NEVER tormented by those freaks again.
Try gettin’ away with that these days, and the little f’er’s will find a way to turn it on you.
The teachers are turning little children into social activists instead of just teaching…pathetic losers.

So what are you going to tell the 5-year-old who isn't allowed to draw a picture of their family at school because they have gay parents? Or when they aren't allowed to talk about what they did over the weekend with their family?

This bill does nothing but punish children because adults can't get over themselves and their fears. Being gay isn't something that is contagious. You either are gay or you aren't.

I don’t even get that…
Why would any parent say bullying of any kind is OK…?!?!?!
Please explain in more detail.
And again, I’m just talking about the overall agenda for little children being wayyyyy outta’ whack.

There are people who want to pretend that LGBTQ+ families don't exist...including prohibiting the mention of a student's gay parents in an elementary school. This bill opens the door for that kind of bullying - and rewards the bully by allowing them to seek monetary compensation through lawsuits.