This evening a group called Organize Florida, which has participation from many of Disney’s biggest unions, held a protest just outside of Walt Disney World property to condemn Disney CEO Bob Iger’s involvement in President Trump’s Strategic and Policy Forum. It is reported that approximately 60 individuals attended the protest. Sandra Pedicini from the Orlando Sentinel reported that protesters shouted “Donald Duck, Not Donald Trump.”
https://twitter.com/SandraPedicini/status/831616686000373762
Dubbed “#DisneyLetHimGo,” a statement parodying the famed song from Frozen, the demonstration was intended to set off a national campaign encourage Iger to resign from the Trump’s economic council and “renounce policies announced by President Trump and his Cabinet appointees.” Additionally, the group says it’s collected 300,000 signatures on a petition, which they delivered to a Disney executive ahead of tonight’s protest.
Flyer promoting protest against Disney CEO Bob Iger
Announced in December of last year, President Trump’s Strategic and Policy Forum brings together leaders of some of the countries top companies. However, ongoing controversies about the administration’s policies have led some to reconsider their position on the council, with Uber CEO Travis Kalanick most notably quitting the forum altogether. Meanwhile, Iger missed the first meeting of the council, citing a previously scheduled board meeting. However, in an interview with CNBC, he defended his position on the council, saying it was an opportunity to bring the President’s attention to “a number of very important issues.” At the same time, he did speak out against President Trump’s recent travel ban executive order and stance on immigration overall, saying, “I firmly believe we cannot shut our borders to immigrants… I think a fair and just immigration policy is good for our country and good for society.”
Tonight’s protest began at 4:30 p.m. and feature community members, faith leaders, immigrant organizations, students, Disney employees and labor unions.