Part 4/14:

The debate around DEI is deeply intertwined with broader cultural and political disputes. The rollback of DEI policies at Disney and other corporations is often framed as a response to executive orders or political pressure, especially from figures aligned with former President Trump. Some corporations are simply renaming initiatives or changing metrics without substantive policy shifts, which complicates efforts for authentic inclusivity.

This manipulation of DEI policies for appearances rather than genuine inclusion exemplifies what critics see as corporate virtue signaling—publicly promoting progressive values without tangible benefits. These tactics can serve to boost a company's diversity scores artificially, but they often lack real impact at the creative level.