Walt Disney Company (DIS) Accused of Gender Discrimination
In Walt Disney Company’s 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility report, the chairman of Disney’s board assured that the Company was “committed to ensuring that more women… have the chance to contribute in meaningful ways in all areas of . Diversity and inclusion remains a top priority for .” Disney’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors also maintained that Disney’s directors cannot take unfair advantage of its employees “through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair-dealing practice.” Despite these assurances, on April 2, 2019, a class action lawsuit was filed against Disney on the basis of gender pay discrimination. According to the lawsuit, Disney engaged in business practices that pigeonholed women applicants into accepting positions that gave women lower compensation than their male counterparts. Disney filed a demurrer and motion to strike; however, the court rejected both. In addition to this case, many other gender discrimination assertions have been brought against Disney that are either pending or have resulted in a settlement payment.