DeSantis And Disney : History And Commotion

I'll give you a rundown of what's going on between Governor DeSantis and Disney. Recently, Governor DeSantis has been at odds with Disney over the company's opposition to the state's "Parental Rights in Education" law, which critics have dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" law. Disney has publicly spoken out against the law and has announced it will donate $5 million to LGBTQ organizations. In response, Governor DeSantis has threatened to revoke Disney's special tax district status.

Florida has long been home to Disney World, the company's flagship theme park. The park opened in 1971, and over the years, Disney has enjoyed special privileges and benefits from the state of Florida. In 1967, the state of Florida created a special tax district for Disney known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District. This district gave Disney control over its own land, including zoning, infrastructure, and services. In exchange, Disney promised to invest in the area and bring economic growth to the state. This special district has allowed Disney to operate largely independently, with few restrictions or regulations.

In recent years, however, the relationship between Disney and Florida has become strained. In particular, tensions arose over the "Parental Rights in Education" law, which was signed into law by Governor DeSantis in March of 2022. The law bans discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade classrooms. Critics of the law argue that it stigmatizes LGBTQ people and is discriminatory. In response, Disney publicly opposed the law and announced that it would donate $5 million to organizations that advocate for LGBTQ rights.

In retaliation, Governor DeSantis announced that he would seek to revoke Disney's special tax district status, arguing that the company does not represent Florida's values. This move could have major implications for Disney, potentially costing the company millions of dollars in taxes and legal fees. It could also impact the local economy, as Disney employs tens of thousands of people in Florida and is a major tourist destination. The situation remains ongoing, with both sides digging in their heels. Some experts have even suggested that the conflict could end up in court.

The dispute between Disney and the state of Florida has sparked intense debate about the role of corporations in politics. On one hand, some argue that corporations should stay out of politics and focus on their core business. On the other hand, others argue that corporations have a responsibility to use their influence to promote social justice and equality. The situation has also highlighted the outsized influence that corporations can have on state and local politics. It remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved, but it's clear that it has major implications for both Disney and Florida.

Let's start with the history of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. In the mid-1960s, Walt Disney set out to build a theme park in central Florida. At the time, the area was largely undeveloped, and there was little infrastructure in place. Disney worked with the state of Florida to create the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which would oversee the development of the area and provide essential services like power, water, and waste management. The district would also issue bonds to fund the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. In return, Disney agreed to build and operate its theme park in the district.

The Reedy Creek Improvement District was established in 1967 and quickly began to develop the infrastructure needed for Disney World. The park opened in 1971, and the district has continued to oversee the infrastructure and services in the area. Over the years, the district has evolved to accommodate the growth of Disney World and the surrounding area. It has also been a source of controversy, as some have argued that it gives Disney an unfair advantage over other businesses and residents in the area. I'll elaborate more on this in a bit.

Moving on, I'll tell you more about the "Parental Rights in Education" law. In early 2022, the Florida legislature passed the law, which quickly became known as the "Don't Say Gay" law by its critics. The law prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade. It also allows parents to sue school districts if they believe the law has been violated. Critics say the law is discriminatory and will have a chilling effect on teachers and students. Supporters say it is necessary to protect parental rights and prevent children from being exposed to inappropriate material in the classroom.