Disney Dreamers Academy Drops “Black and Underrepresented Community” Wording.
The Walt Disney Company has faced criticism from various political viewpoints regarding its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. One program affected by this scrutiny is the Disney Dreamers Academy. Previously described as an event for “100 Black high school students and teens from underrepresented communities,” the program now refers to participants as “100 exceptional young people,” with the specific mention of “Black and Underrepresented Communities” removed from the website. Is this another instance of Disney shifting away from DEI-specific language?
It’s crucial to understand that this discussion is not a reflection of the incredible students involved. As we’ve previously reported, these young people are intelligent, inspiring, and possess the potential to positively impact their communities. They represent hope for the future.
The Disney Dreamers Academy has historically featured prominent Black entertainers and leaders, including Halle Bailey, Kelly Rowland, Daymond John, Disney Animator Floyd Norman, Gospel Singer Yolanda Adams, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, and many others, who have served as mentors and speakers.
Following the addition of “Inclusion” as Disney’s fifth key in 2019, the company explicitly stated in press releases, blog posts, and on the DDA website that the program specifically targeted Black and underrepresented teens. This program provides opportunities for children, particularly those from families facing financial constraints, who might otherwise never experience Walt Disney World. While Disney aims to make “The Most Magical Place on Earth” accessible to all, financial barriers have historically prevented many from visiting.
The question arises: Why the change in wording? Is it a politically motivated decision, or an attempt to broaden the program’s reach to students who might have been excluded previously?
A Look at Past and Present Wording:
2023 DDA Press Release: “The four-day mentorship program—geared toward broadening career awareness and creating opportunities for Black students and other teens from underrepresented communities across the U.S.”
2024 DDA Wording: “The 100 students, primarily Black teens and students from underrepresented communities, are selected from thousands of nationwide applicants and, along with a parent or guardian, received an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World to participate in the event.”
Current 2025 Website Wording: “Let Your Dream Change Your Life – Each spring, 100 exceptional young people arrive at the Disney Dreamers Academy with ambition, excitement, and hopes for the future. Four days later, they return home with the motivation, guidance, and skills to help make those dreams come true.”
This change follows Disney’s discontinuation of the “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative and its corresponding website, which aimed to showcase stories and talent from underrepresented communities but faced criticism. The website was replaced in December with an updated diversity and inclusion hub on Disney’s corporate website and internal platform. This further suggests a potential shift in Disney’s public approach to DEI.
