‘Inclusion’
As a part of renewed efforts to advance diversity and inclusion, Disney is set to allow staff and cast members at theme parks more freedom to express themselves — including the wearing of gender-flexible costumes.
In a blog post last week, Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, announced a new addition — “Inclusion” — to the company’s “Four Keys,” the long-standing tradition of promoting Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency at its parks.
The new key, he said, aims to “cultivate a culture of belonging” at the company and guide its efforts to “realize our rich legacy of engaging storytelling, exceptional service, and Disney magic.” Among the changes coming as a result of the new key is a reworking of the policies that guide how cast members can dress at work.
“Our new approach provides greater flexibility with respect to forms of personal expression surrounding gender-inclusive hairstyles, jewelry, nail styles, and costume choices; and allowing appropriate visible tattoos,” D’Amaro wrote. “We’re updating them to not only remain relevant in today’s workplace, but also enable our cast members to better express their cultures and individuality at work.”
