Disney governing district in Florida axes diversity and inclusion programmes as DeSantis row with company rages
Diversity, equity and inclusion programs were abolished Tuesday from Walt Disney World's governing district, now controlled by appointees of governor Ron DeSantis, in an echo of the Florida governor's agenda which has championed curtailing such programs in higher education and elsewhere. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District said in a statement that its diversity, equity and inclusion committee would be eliminated, as would any job duties connected to it. Also axed were initiatives left over from when the district was controlled by Disney supporters, which awarded contracts based on goals of achieving racial or gender parity. Glenton Gilzean, the district's new administrator who is African American and a former head of the Central Florida Urban League, called such initiatives “illegal and simply un-American”. Gilzean has been a fellow or member at two conservative institutions, the James Madison Institute and the American Enterprise Institute Leadership Network, as well as a DeSantis appointee to the Florida Commission on Ethics. “Our district will no longer participate in any attempt to divide us by race or advance the notion that we are not created equal," Mr Gilzean said in a statement. "As the former head of the Central Florida Urban League, a civil rights organization, I can say definitively that our community thrives only when we work together despite our differences.” An email was sent seeking comment from Disney World. Last spring, Mr DeSantis, who is running for the GOP presidential nomination, signed into law a measure that blocks public colleges from using federal or state funding on diversity programs. Mr DeSantis also has championed Florida's so-called “Stop WOKE” law, which bars businesses, colleges and K-12 schools from giving training on certain racial concepts, such as the theory that people of a particular race are inherently racist, privileged or oppressed. A federal judge last November blocked the law’s enforcement in colleges, universities and businesses, calling it "positively dystopian.” The creation of the district, then known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, was instrumental in Disney’s decision to build a theme park resort near Orlando in the 1960s. Having a separate government allowed the company to provide zoning, fire protection, utilities and infrastructure services on its sprawling property. The district was controlled by Disney supporters for more than five decades. The DeSantis appointees took control of the renamed district earlier this year following a yearlong feud between the company and Mr DeSantis. The fight began last year after Disney, beset by significant pressure internally and externally, publicly opposed a state law banning classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades, a policy critics call “Don’t Say Gay.” As punishment, Mr DeSantis took over the district through legislation passed by Republican lawmakers and appointed a new board of supervisors to oversee municipal services for the sprawling theme parks and hotels. Disney sued Mr DeSantis and his five board appointees in federal court, claiming the Florida governor violated the company’s free speech rights by taking the retaliatory action. Before the new board came in, Disney made agreements with previous oversight board members who were Disney supporters that stripped the new supervisors of their authority over design and development. The DeSantis-appointed members of the governing district have sued Disney in state court in a second lawsuit stemming from the district’s takeover, seeking to invalidate those agreements. ___ Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at @MikeSchneiderAP Read More Florida father tried to remove ‘Arthur’ book from schools because it could ‘damage souls’ DeSantis says DC jury would ‘convict a ham sandwich’ if it was Republican Republican National Committee boosts polling and fundraising thresholds to qualify for 2nd debate Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide
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How to wear the casual tailoring look in summer
The biggest menswear trend of the moment is about putting an easygoing spin on the classic suit. “Casual tailoring is a fashion movement that has accelerated over the last few years,” says Martin Roberts, head of buying at Jacamo. “Dress codes have become much more relaxed and comfort has become a key priority in menswear. “As a result, men are moving away from formal etiquette and instead adding some style and versatility to their suits.” From catwalks to red carpets, the ‘suited and booted’ look is increasingly being replaced by the ‘blazer and trainers’ combo. “We’ve seen prominent fashion designers embracing the trend, incorporating lightweight fabrics, earthy tones and refined silhouettes,” says Victor Nyamdavaa, tailoring specialist at Hawes and Curtis. “Along with the countless red carpet appearances from A-list celebrities dressed in relaxed linen suits, it’s clear that casual tailoring is revolutionising the way we perceive sartorial styling.” While some events still call for a formal dress code, casual tailoring is supremely versatile. “A matching two-piece will always look dapper and can suit every occasion, whether it be a trip to the office or a weekend wedding,” says Roberts. “However, comfort dressing is the new power dressing, and smart shirts are now being replaced with tees, polos and knitted sweaters, as working and social environments become more accommodating to a casual attire.” And it’s simple to work into your wardrobe, Nyamdavaa says: “By incorporating tailored pieces such as linen jackets, polos, and linen trousers into your summer outfits, you can embrace the casual tailoring trend and exude sophistication with ease.” Style and simplicity “The best way to approach the trend is by keeping it simple and suave,” says Roberts. “Mixing up the style and colour of your suit layers will make the vibe feel more laid-back and add some versatility to your outfit choice. This look is ideal for a celebratory event, such as a birthday party or anniversary.” But stay within the same colour palette and choose soft hues, he advises: “It’s important to find the perfect colour contrast, as too similar and the suit separate loses its touch, but too bold and it can look out of place.” Steer clear of jazzy prints, too, he adds: “For example, checkered trousers with a striped blazer will look displaced when put together.” Pastels have been a major part of the casual tailoring trend, with style icon Ryan Gosling rocking mint, baby pink and powder blue suits during the Barbie movie press tour. “If you’re looking for an outfit that shouts ‘laid-back cool’, combine a cotton polo shirt with linen trousers in a matching or contrasting hue,” says Nyamdavaa. “Accessorise with leather loafers to elevate the outfit while maintaining its easygoing charm.” If sugary shades aren’t for you, opt for natural tones like cream, caramel or light brown. Darker colours also work well for evening events in summer. Nyamdavaa continues: “You can create a sleek monochromatic look with a navy linen blazer, navy polo and navy linen trousers, creating a level of understated style while keeping you cool and comfortable wherever the season takes you.” Neutral and natural “People must also consider which fabric to wear based on the season – in summer, linen and cotton suit parts work well together,” says Roberts, while wool or tweed should be left in your winter wardrobe. Nyamdavaa agrees: “For an effortlessly chic aesthetic, opt for a tailored linen jacket in a neutral tone, paired with a classic polo shirt, completed with tailored linen trousers and suede loafers for a touch of sophistication.” As an alternative to a two-piece suit, mix and match separates. “A pair of suit trousers can be replaced with more comfortable and informal clothing, such as chinos and even jeans,” says Roberts. “For holiday goers who are planning a family meal out or couples who are heading to a wedding abroad, a chino and blazer pairing is the perfect summer look.” Here’s our pick of the coolest casual tailoring pieces on the high street… Jacamo Elliot Pink Brushed Flannel Suit Jacket, £75 (was £100); Elliot Pink Brushed Flannel Suit Trousers, £35 (were £50); Grey Marl Crew Neck Jumper, £22; Puma RBD Game Low Trainers, £48.75 (were £65) Hawes and Curtis Brown Linen Shirt Jacket, £179 (was £199); White Mercerised Cotton T-shirt, £29.50; Natural Herringbone Tailored Linen Trousers, £150; Light Brown Suede Leather Casual Loafers, £99 (were £129) Threadbare Luxe Men’s Stone Linen Blend Blazer, £75; Luxe Men’s Navy Linen Mix Drawstring Trousers, £30 Matalan Taylor & Wright Panama Black Tailored Fit Suit Jacket, £39; Lilac Essential Pull-On Hoodie, £15; Taylor & Wright Panama Black Tailored Fit Suit Trousers, £21; White Stripe Trainers, £17 Ted Baker Lancej Wool And Linen Blazer in Light Green, £206 (was £295); Lancet Slim Fit Wool Linen Trousers in Light Green, £105 (were £150) FatFace Light Teal Organic Cotton Pique Polo, £35 Peacocks Mens Tan Linen Blend Shirt, £12 (was £18)
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Twiggy says she never planned to become a model: ‘I must be mad’
Twiggy has revealed that she did not plan to get into modelling as a career, which means the world could have missed out on one of the most iconic fashion models of the Sixties. The English model, actor and singer, whose real name is Dame Lesley Lawson, said that most of her life has been spent “doing things that I didn’t plan to do”. In a new interview with Good Housekeeping, Twiggy, 73, said: “I didn’t plan to model. I definitely didn’t plan to do a musical film with Ken Russell and I certainly didn’t plan to star on Broadway in a big musical. I must be mad!” Russell wrote and directed the 1971 musical comedy The Boy Friend, which also starred EastEnders star Barbara Windsor and ballet dancer Christopher Gable. Twiggy was also involved in Close-Up: The Twiggy Musical, written and directed by comedian Ben Elton. The show is set to open in September at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London. She said: “I only get involved with projects that really spark something in me, with people I love and want to work with. “Ben Elton is an old friend and I love him to bits. He’s a huge talent - so clever and such a sweet man. “The musical came about when we were having dinner about six years ago and he said, half-jokingly, ‘I should do your story! It’s an amazing story set in an amazing period – I should write it’.” Close-Up traces Twiggy’s rise to stardom alongside music from the Sixties and Seventies. Elsewhere in the interview, Twiggy opened up about her marriage to English actor Leigh Lawson and reflected on their nearly 40 years together. She said: “[Leigh and I] have been together for 38 years, which is frightening! I suppose luck has a lot to do with it. “You never know when you meet somebody how it’s all going to turn out or what life is going to throw at you. “We’ve both been through things that didn’t work out for various reasons and when you’ve had that experience, you’re a little gentler when you meet someone else.” Lawson is also a director and writer. He has been credited for TV shows such as Silent Witness, Travelling Man, Absolutely Fabulous, and The Red Tent. Earlier this year, Twiggy revealed that cosmetic surgery “frightens” her, and she has never undergone procedures such as Botox, which is common among celebrities. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said she is “proud” of her wrinkles, but said she was open to the idea of having “little tweaks” someday. “But what I don’t think I’d ever do is all the stuff they inject, when they get those funny cheeks that look like cotton wool balls have been stuffed in them. It would frighten me,” she added. The full interview is in the September 2023 issue of Good Housekeeping, which is on sale now. Additional reporting by PA Read More ‘My dentist injects me, but I trust him’: Inside the scary world of unregulated Botox London chef apologises after criticism for all-white, all-male kitchen team Bakery delivers brilliant response to ‘well-known celebrity’ offering ‘exposure’ in return for free cakes JW Anderson is teaming up with a major tennis star for new collection Leigh-Anne Pinnock unveils the three wedding dresses she wore to marry Andre Gray Eva Mendes shows dress made out of sponges as she jokes it’ll be her Oscars outfit
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