The Walt Disney World governing district, now under the control of Gov. Ron DeSantis' appointees, eliminated its diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes, mirroring the governor's broader efforts to curtail such initiatives in various sectors, including higher education on Tuesday (August 1).&nbsp;The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District announced the discontinuation of its diversity committee and related job responsibilities, along with the termination of previous initiatives focused on achieving racial and gender parity through contract awards, as reported by the Associated Press.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the district's new direction?</h2>

The district's new administrator, Glenton Gilzean, who is an African American and a former leader of the Central Florida Urban League, characterised these initiatives as "illegal and simply un-American." Gilzean's affiliations with conservative institutions and his appointment to the Florida Commission on Ethics by DeSantis underscore his alignment with the governor's stance. He emphasised unity and cooperation among diverse communities as the driving force for the district's future.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-widens-lead-over-desantis-with-record-54-per-cent-support-even-as-legal-challenges-mount-621349">Trump widens lead over DeSantis with record 54% support even as legal challenges mount</a>

Disney World has not yet commented on the abolishment of the diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the district.

<h2>Governor DeSantis' agenda</h2>

Governor DeSantis, who is also a contender for the GOP presidential nomination, has been a vocal proponent of limiting diversity programmes.

He signed a law that prohibits public colleges from using state or federal funds for such programmes. Additionally, he championed Florida's "Stop WOKE" law, which restricts businesses, schools, and colleges from providing training on certain racial concepts. A federal judge previously halted the enforcement of this law in specific settings, citing concerns about its implications.

<h2>Historical context</h2>

The creation of the district, originally known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, played a pivotal role in Disney's establishment of a theme park resort near Orlando in the 1960s. This separate governing body allowed Disney to manage essential services on its extensive property. For over five decades, the district was governed by Disney supporters.

Also watch |&nbsp;US Presidential candidate DeSantis lays off one-third of campaign staff

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Earlier this year, DeSantis' appointees assumed control of the district following a year-long dispute between the governor and the company. The disagreement arose when Disney publicly opposed a state law banning certain classroom discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity. In response, DeSantis passed legislation granting his appointees control over the district's services, leading to a legal battle between Disney and the governor.

Prior to the shift in leadership, Disney had entered agreements with the previous oversight board members, reducing the new supervisors' authority over design and development. The DeSantis-appointed board members filed a lawsuit in state court, seeking to invalidate these agreements as part of the ongoing legal conflict between the district's new leadership and Disney.

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The Walt Disney World governing district, now under the control of Gov. Ron DeSantis' appointees, eliminated its diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes, mirroring the governor's broader efforts to curtail such initiatives in various sectors, including higher education on Tuesday (August 1).

The Walt Disney World governing district, now under the control of Gov. Ron DeSantis' appointees, eliminated its diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes, mirroring the governor's broader efforts to curtail such initiatives in various sectors, including higher education on Tuesday (August 1). The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District announced the discontinuation of its diversity committee and related job responsibilities, along with the termination of previous initiatives focused on achieving racial and gender parity through contract awards, as reported by the Associated Press. What is the district's new direction? The district's new administrator, Glenton Gilzean, who is an African American and a former leader of the Central Florida Urban League, characterised these initiatives as "illegal and simply un-American." Gilzean's affiliations with conservative institutions and his appointment to the Florida Commission on Ethics by DeSantis underscore his alignment with the governor's stance. He emphasised unity and cooperation among diverse communities as the driving force for the district's future. Also read | Trump widens lead over DeSantis with record 54% support even as legal challenges mount Disney World has not yet commented on the abolishment of the diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the district. Governor DeSantis' agenda Governor DeSantis, who is also a contender for the GOP presidential nomination, has been a vocal proponent of limiting diversity programmes. He signed a law that prohibits public colleges from using state or federal funds for such programmes. Additionally, he championed Florida's "Stop WOKE" law, which restricts businesses, schools, and colleges from providing training on certain racial concepts. A federal judge previously halted the enforcement of this law in specific settings, citing concerns about its implications. Historical context The creation of the district, originally known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, played a pivotal role in Disney's establishment of a theme park resort near Orlando in the 1960s. This separate governing body allowed Disney to manage essential services on its extensive property. For over five decades, the district was governed by Disney supporters. Also watch | US Presidential candidate DeSantis lays off one-third of campaign staff Earlier this year, DeSantis' appointees assumed control of the district following a year-long dispute between the governor and the company. The disagreement arose when Disney publicly opposed a state law banning certain classroom discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity. In response, DeSantis passed legislation granting his appointees control over the district's services, leading to a legal battle between Disney and the governor. Prior to the shift in leadership, Disney had entered agreements with the previous oversight board members, reducing the new supervisors' authority over design and development. The DeSantis-appointed board members filed a lawsuit in state court, seeking to invalidate these agreements as part of the ongoing legal conflict between the district's new leadership and Disney. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

DeSantis-led Disney World district eliminates diversity and equity programmes

Vice President Kamala Harris criticised "extremists" in Florida on Friday (July 21)&nbsp;for endorsing educational guidelines that she believes teach "revisionist history" about slavery in the United States.

The state's board of education recently approved new guidelines, including one for middle school students, which state that "instruction includes how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit."

<h2>Harris delivers blistering speech condemning&nbsp;new guidelines</h2>

In a fiery speech, Vice President Harris condemned the approved guidelines, pointing out that adults understand the true horrors of slavery, involving rape, torture, and the inhumane separation of mothers from their babies, as reported by Reuters.

She expressed outrage at any suggestion that being subjected to such dehumanisation could have benefited enslaved people&nbsp;in any way.

"Adults know what slavery really involved. It involved rape. It involved torture. It involved taking a baby from their mother. It involved some of the worst examples of ... depriving people of humanity in our world," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/are-sharks-off-florida-coast-high-on-cocaine-scientists-find-baffling-results-617936">Are sharks off Florida coast high on cocaine? Scientists find baffling results</a>

<h2>Justifications for new language in the guidelines</h2>

Members of the working group that developed the new guidelines, William Allen and Frances Presley Rice, defended the inclusion of language suggesting that slaves learned specialised skills, stating that it was intended to depict them as more than just victims.

<h2>Harris labels information as false propaganda</h2>

Dismissing the justifications, Harris labelled the information as false propaganda, emphasising the importance of teaching children the truth and seeking knowledge.

"These extremist so-called leaders should model what we know to be the correct and right approach if we really are invested in the well-being of our children. Instead they dare to push propaganda to our children," she said.

Also watch |&nbsp;US trade watchdog withdraws case against Microsoft

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<h2>Governor DeSantis' stance on 'woke indoctrination'</h2>

The approval of these guidelines follows Governor Ron DeSantis' efforts to combat what he calls "woke indoctrination." DeSantis has made "wokeness" a central theme of his presidential campaign, advocating against discussions of sexuality and gender in classrooms. He accused Harris of being misleading about Florida's educational standards.

<h2>Battle over educational standards</h2>

Harris called for teachers not to be dictated to by politicians, urging them not to teach "revisionist history."

The ongoing conflict over educational standards and the portrayal of sensitive historical topics has sparked heated debates between Democrats and Republicans.

As President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris prepare to run for re-election in 2024, issues surrounding education, history, and curriculum continue to be points of contention on the national stage.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Vice President Kamala Harris criticised "extremists" in Florida on Friday (July 21) for endorsing educational guidelines that she believes teach "revisionist history" about slavery in the United States.

Vice President Kamala Harris criticised "extremists" in Florida on Friday (July 21) for endorsing educational guidelines that she believes teach "revisionist history" about slavery in the United States. The state's board of education recently approved new guidelines, including one for middle school students, which state that "instruction includes how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit." Harris delivers blistering speech condemning new guidelines In a fiery speech, Vice President Harris condemned the approved guidelines, pointing out that adults understand the true horrors of slavery, involving rape, torture, and the inhumane separation of mothers from their babies, as reported by Reuters. She expressed outrage at any suggestion that being subjected to such dehumanisation could have benefited enslaved people in any way. "Adults know what slavery really involved. It involved rape. It involved torture. It involved taking a baby from their mother. It involved some of the worst examples of ... depriving people of humanity in our world," she said. Also read | Are sharks off Florida coast high on cocaine? Scientists find baffling results Justifications for new language in the guidelines Members of the working group that developed the new guidelines, William Allen and Frances Presley Rice, defended the inclusion of language suggesting that slaves learned specialised skills, stating that it was intended to depict them as more than just victims. Harris labels information as false propaganda Dismissing the justifications, Harris labelled the information as false propaganda, emphasising the importance of teaching children the truth and seeking knowledge. "These extremist so-called leaders should model what we know to be the correct and right approach if we really are invested in the well-being of our children. Instead they dare to push propaganda to our children," she said. Also watch | US trade watchdog withdraws case against Microsoft Governor DeSantis' stance on 'woke indoctrination' The approval of these guidelines follows Governor Ron DeSantis' efforts to combat what he calls "woke indoctrination." DeSantis has made "wokeness" a central theme of his presidential campaign, advocating against discussions of sexuality and gender in classrooms. He accused Harris of being misleading about Florida's educational standards. Battle over educational standards Harris called for teachers not to be dictated to by politicians, urging them not to teach "revisionist history." The ongoing conflict over educational standards and the portrayal of sensitive historical topics has sparked heated debates between Democrats and Republicans. As President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris prepare to run for re-election in 2024, issues surrounding education, history, and curriculum continue to be points of contention on the national stage. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Vice President Kamala Harris slams Florida 'extremists' over education guidelines about slavery

Kwanzaa is an annual celebration honouring the African American and Pan-African culture and traditions with a seven-night festival which begins on December 26 and goes on till January 1. The festival began in the United States in 1966 and is still predominantly celebrated in the country in millions of homes and communities.&nbsp;

Origins of Kwanzaa&nbsp;

The term Kwanzaa (pronounced as “kwahn-zuh”) comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits”. In 1966, Dr Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of the department of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach created the holiday which has links to harvest festivals in Africa and communities across the world.&nbsp;

The secular holiday does not associate with any particular religion and was created in the wake of the 1964 Watts Riots in Los Angeles, California, during the Black Freedom Movement in the US. According to National Geographic, Karenga drew inspiration from the African harvest festival “in which communities came together to celebrate the fruits of their collective labor.”

Why is it celebrated?

“African American celebration that highlights the culture of the entire African diaspora and gives the community a chance to come together to reflect upon important values,” said Kelly Navies, a museum specialist and oral historian at the National Museum of African American History and Culture told USA Today. She added that since there is no particular religion associated with the holiday it allows “to unify people” rather than divide them based on their religious beliefs.&nbsp;

Seven principles of Kwanzaa

Each day of the celebration is dedicated to reflecting on one of the seven communitarian principles known as the “Nguzo Saba”. The seven principles are, Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

What are the seven symbols of Kwanzaa?

According to the festival’s official website, there are seven basic symbols and two supplemental ones, each of which, “represents values and concepts reflective of African culture and contributive to community building and reinforcement”.&nbsp;

Beginning with the “Mazao” which means crops and includes things like fruits and vegetables to represent the “rewards of productive and collective labour.” This also includes “Muhindi” (meaning corn) which is a symbol for “our children and our future which they embody.”&nbsp;

These items are arranged on a “Mkeka” (the mat) along with the “Kinara” (the candle holder) which has the “Mishumaa Saba” (the seven candles) which are symbolic of the seven principles, and the “Kikombe cha Umoja” (the unity cup).&nbsp;

How is Kwanzaa celebrated?

The official colours of Kwanzaa are black, red, and green which represent, “black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future that comes from their struggle,” said the festival’s website. On each day the family comes together to light one of the seven candles and discuss the principle of the day. The lighting of the candles begins with the black candle which is placed in the middle of Kinara, on the first day.

In the following days, those on the left are lit following the order from left to right each day, the order indicates that the people come first, then the struggle, and the hope from that struggle. On the final day of the festival, there is a feast known as karamu, where the children also receive “Zawadi” which means gifts.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Kwanzaa is an annual celebration honouring the African American and Pan-African culture and traditions with a seven-night festival which begins on December 26 and goes on till January 1.

Kwanzaa is an annual celebration honouring the African American and Pan-African culture and traditions with a seven-night festival which begins on December 26 and goes on till January 1. The festival began in the United States in 1966 and is still predominantly celebrated in the country in millions of homes and communities. Origins of Kwanzaa The term Kwanzaa (pronounced as “kwahn-zuh”) comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits”. In 1966, Dr Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of the department of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach created the holiday which has links to harvest festivals in Africa and communities across the world. The secular holiday does not associate with any particular religion and was created in the wake of the 1964 Watts Riots in Los Angeles, California, during the Black Freedom Movement in the US. According to National Geographic, Karenga drew inspiration from the African harvest festival “in which communities came together to celebrate the fruits of their collective labor.” Why is it celebrated? “African American celebration that highlights the culture of the entire African diaspora and gives the community a chance to come together to reflect upon important values,” said Kelly Navies, a museum specialist and oral historian at the National Museum of African American History and Culture told USA Today. She added that since there is no particular religion associated with the holiday it allows “to unify people” rather than divide them based on their religious beliefs. Seven principles of Kwanzaa Each day of the celebration is dedicated to reflecting on one of the seven communitarian principles known as the “Nguzo Saba”. The seven principles are, Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). What are the seven symbols of Kwanzaa? According to the festival’s official website, there are seven basic symbols and two supplemental ones, each of which, “represents values and concepts reflective of African culture and contributive to community building and reinforcement”. Beginning with the “Mazao” which means crops and includes things like fruits and vegetables to represent the “rewards of productive and collective labour.” This also includes “Muhindi” (meaning corn) which is a symbol for “our children and our future which they embody.” These items are arranged on a “Mkeka” (the mat) along with the “Kinara” (the candle holder) which has the “Mishumaa Saba” (the seven candles) which are symbolic of the seven principles, and the “Kikombe cha Umoja” (the unity cup). How is Kwanzaa celebrated? The official colours of Kwanzaa are black, red, and green which represent, “black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future that comes from their struggle,” said the festival’s website. On each day the family comes together to light one of the seven candles and discuss the principle of the day. The lighting of the candles begins with the black candle which is placed in the middle of Kinara, on the first day. In the following days, those on the left are lit following the order from left to right each day, the order indicates that the people come first, then the struggle, and the hope from that struggle. On the final day of the festival, there is a feast known as karamu, where the children also receive “Zawadi” which means gifts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kwanzaa 2022: Everything you need to know about the seven-day celebration

A US woman,&nbsp;Amy Cooper,&nbsp;has been charged&nbsp;for filing false police reports and falsely accusing an African American birdwatcher of assaulting her.

Cooper had accused a birdwatcher in&nbsp;New York’s Central Park and had made two emergency 911 calls that day, it was revealed on Wednesday. The said incident was reportedly videotaped.

However, a&nbsp;Manhattan district attorney Cyrus Vance called Cooper's complaints and accusations to be a hoax and said it was sheer luck that nobody got injured due to this chaotic incident.

The prosecutors are hoping that Cooper's case can be resolved only by making her participate in an educational program where she can be taught the effect and harms such actions can have over her and the community.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-know-if-her-life-needed-to-be-torn-apart-what-mr-cooper-thinks-of-his-now-famous-racist-encounter-with-a-white-lady-301647">Also read|&nbsp;'Don’t know if her life needed to be torn apart': What Mr Cooper thinks of his now-famous racist encounter with a white lady</a>

The video, also shown in the court, reveals the man asking Cooper to follow the park rules and put her dog on a leash. After which, Cooper started accusing the man of assaulting her. On the 911 call, she was heard saying, "There’s an African American man, I’m in Central Park, he is recording me and threatening myself and my dog. Please send the cops immediately!"

Her actions have been studied as racially and moraly incorrect. “Using the police in a way that was both racially offensive and designed to intimidate is something that can’t be ignored. Therefore we charged her,” said assistant district attorney Joan Illuzzi-Orbon. He also said he hopes the process of the man getting justice can be "an opportunity for introspection and education" for Cooper.

Vance Jr has said his office "will pursue a resolution of this case which holds Ms Cooper accountable while healing our community, restoring justice, and deterring others from perpetuating this racist practice."

A US woman, Amy Cooper, has been charged for filing false police reports and falsely accusing an African American birdwatcher of assaulting her. Cooper had accused a birdwatcher in New York’s Central Park and had made two emergency 911 calls that day, it was revealed on Wednesday.

A US woman, Amy Cooper, has been charged for filing false police reports and falsely accusing an African American birdwatcher of assaulting her. Cooper had accused a birdwatcher in New York’s Central Park and had made two emergency 911 calls that day, it was revealed on Wednesday. The said incident was reportedly videotaped. However, a Manhattan district attorney Cyrus Vance called Cooper's complaints and accusations to be a hoax and said it was sheer luck that nobody got injured due to this chaotic incident. The prosecutors are hoping that Cooper's case can be resolved only by making her participate in an educational program where she can be taught the effect and harms such actions can have over her and the community. Also read| 'Don’t know if her life needed to be torn apart': What Mr Cooper thinks of his now-famous racist encounter with a white lady The video, also shown in the court, reveals the man asking Cooper to follow the park rules and put her dog on a leash. After which, Cooper started accusing the man of assaulting her. On the 911 call, she was heard saying, "There’s an African American man, I’m in Central Park, he is recording me and threatening myself and my dog. Please send the cops immediately!" Her actions have been studied as racially and moraly incorrect. “Using the police in a way that was both racially offensive and designed to intimidate is something that can’t be ignored. Therefore we charged her,” said assistant district attorney Joan Illuzzi-Orbon. He also said he hopes the process of the man getting justice can be "an opportunity for introspection and education" for Cooper. Vance Jr has said his office "will pursue a resolution of this case which holds Ms Cooper accountable while healing our community, restoring justice, and deterring others from perpetuating this racist practice."

Amy Cooper charged with falsely accusing Black man of assaulting

The death of George Floyd in the US has triggered mass protests. Floyd was suffocated to death under police custody. WION'S Palki Sharma brings you a video timeline of what happened on the 25th of May.

Gravitas: How George Floyd's death unfolded in Minneapolis? | US Riots

Various agencies of the United States often issue resolutions on human rights violations across the world. But, does the US practice what it preaches? WION's Palki Sharma tells you how America has failed to ensure equal rights to the African American community.

Gravitas: The United States | The biggest violator of human rights?

The death of an African American in Minnesota has triggered violent mass protests. The clashes between the cops and the protesters even led to riots and mass looting. WION's Palki Sharma sums up how America's moral authority and credibility is fast eroding.

Gravitas: Superpower unravels | Riots in the United States

Politics is intensifying after the death of an African American in the United States triggered violent protests. WION'a Palki Sharma tells you how the opposition is blaming US President Donald Trump for the escalating tensions.

Gravitas: United States | Politics erupts over the death of an African American

The US leaves no opportunity in commenting on the affairs of other countries. What does the world make of violence in America? WION's Palki Sharma brings you global reactions.

Gravitas: Riots in the United States | How is the world reacting?