Disney pushes 'critical race theory' in employee training materials: report

A new report claims the Walt Disney Company is pushing "critical race theory" on its employees as part of an internal training program, teaching them "race consciousness" and other concepts to address "systemic racism" in the U.S.

Manhattan Institute fellow Christopher Rufo on Friday published what he says are a "trove of whistleblower documents" detailing a program titled "Reimagine Tomorrow."

Rudo also provides in his report what he says are primary-source documents that appear to be pages of a training manual.

"In the past year, Disney executives have elevated the ideology of critical race theory into a new corporate dogma, bombarded employees with trainings on 'systemic racism,' 'white privilege,' 'white fragility,' and 'white saviors,' and launched racially segregated 'affinity groups' at the company's headquarters," Rudo writes.

The documents, which are stamped with the Disney insignia, instruct viewers in tips on "becoming an ally" to black acquaintances, calling anti-racism education "an ongoing learning journey." 

Disney on Saturday confirmed with Just the News the document included in the Rufo's report were "internal documents" and provided the following response:

"These internal documents are being deliberately distorted as reflective of company policy, when in fact their purpose was to allow diversity of thought and discussion on the incredibly complex and challenging issues of race and discrimination that we as a society and companies nationwide are facing.

"The Disney brand has a long history of inclusivity, with stories that reflect acceptance and tolerance and celebrate people’s differences, as we have consistently demonstrated in such popular films as Moana, Coco, Black Panther, Soul and Raya and the Last Dragon, and as a global entertainment company we are committed to continuing to tell stories that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience."

The guide suggests that actions such as "disbelieving the experiences of people of color" can "fuel the underpinnings of discrimination" and urges participants to take part in discussion groups where they act out racial interactions between employees.  

The guide also offers "pro inclusion tips" such as “acknowledge that everyone has unconscious biases no matter who we are" and "listen to the experiences of others."