Disney Cancels Plan for Million-Dollar Complex in Florida
Disney has canceled plans to build a new employee complex in the US state of Florida. The company cited “significant change” and “changing business circumstances” as reasons for scrapping the project in the Orlando area. The decision was relayed in a memo to Disney theme park staff on Thursday.
The proposed campus was set to cost around $864m and would have housed 2,000 employees from Disney’s headquarters in California. The decision to cancel the project comes amid a dispute between the company and Florida Governor Ron Des antis.
Des antis passed a law last year that prevents teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity in the first three elementary-level grades, which some have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law. Disney CEO Bob Chapek criticized the law in 2020 and halted political donations from the company in Florida. In response, Des antis introduced a law that limits the autonomy of Disney World, which the company has since challenged in court.
Des antis is expected to announce his candidacy for the 2024 presidential race next week. The Republican governor is seen as a potential rival to former President Donald Trump, who is also expected to run.
Disney Argues with Florida Governor Over “Don’t Say Gay” Law
Disney’s decision to cancel plans to build a campus in Florida follows a disagreement with Governor Ron Des antis over the “Don’t Say Gay” law. The law, which prevents teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity in the first three elementary-level grades, has been criticized as being discriminatory.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek and the company halted political donations from the state after the law was passed. In response, Des antis introduced a law that limits the autonomy of Disney World. The company has since taken legal action against the law.
Republican Governor Des antis Expected to Run for President in 2024
Several US news outlets have reported that Florida Governor Ron Des antis is expected to announce his candidacy for the 2024 presidential race next week. Des antis is seen as a potential rival to former President Donald Trump, who is also expected to run. The Republican governor is known for his hardline conservative policies and has attacked institutions and companies he perceives as promoting a liberal “woke” ideology.