The federal government\u2019s diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility chief, whose work has been caught up in conservative blowback over whether DEIA efforts go too far, is stepping down to take a similar post at Disney \u2014 itself a target of criticism from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over its gender and LGBTQ+ policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Janice Underwood, who was appointed to the Office of Personnel Management <\/a>to lead equitable workplace policies for 2.1 million federal employees, will be taking a new position to oversee DEIA efforts at Disney, the company said in a LinkedIn post. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n DeSantis, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president, has conducted a long-running campaign to curb the power of Disney World in what is seen as retaliation for the company\u2019s stance against legislation he signed in 2022 that bars instruction in some schools about sexual orientation and gender identity, the New York Times reported.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are focused on developing, engaging and retaining a diverse workforce and leadership team because the more our workforce reflects the diversity of our consumers worldwide, the better and more authentically we are able to serve those consumers,\u201d said Disney of its DEIA initiatives. <\/p>\n\n\n