Disney Shareholders Reject Proposals on Severing Ties With Human Rights Campaign, Climate Risk

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Disney’s shareholders chose not to approve proposals aimed at:

1. Breaking ties with the Human Rights Campaign‘s Corporate Equality Index,
2. Publishing a report on potential threats of climate change to the company’s operations, and
3. Conducting a study on risks associated with their advertising transactions.

On Thursday, the company convened its yearly gathering for shareholders. In this event, the shareholders predominantly rejected the proposals that were put forth, as indicated by the initial tally of votes.

Every year, companies like Disney and major corporations often receive shareholder proposals linked to controversial political matters due to their political connections. In its annual report for shareholders, the company advised against approving these proposals as part of its filing process.

The National Center for Public Policy Research, linked with conservative political organizations, presented the HRC proposal, advocating for Disney to disassociate from the CEI report. However, Disney’s board argued that they already monitor risks associated with human rights matters, implying that a vote on this matter is redundant.

The proposed plan for addressing climate change, coming from As You Sow – an organization on the progressive side that aims to inform businesses about climate hazards.

Bowyer Research presented a proposition regarding advertising, specifically highlighting Disney’s abilities as an ad buyer and their involvement with the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM). This alliance has advocated for limiting ads on certain platforms and programs, which has stirred up controversy among conservative groups who believe they have been unfairly targeted.

At their annual gatherings, numerous large corporations encounter shareholder proposals with political undertones. Notable entities like Disney frequently find themselves in this spotlight. Although these proposals rarely succeed, they do help amplify the voices of the groups advocating for them, providing a stage to voice their opinions and receive a reaction from the company, albeit often a carefully crafted one.

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2025-03-20 21:24