Summer vacations had begun in MysticLand Elementia School. Verum and her friends were thinking of activities to do during this break. Felix shyly suggested, “Could we go to Walt Disney World in Florida, a state in the United States (US)? It is a huge resort complex! Half of the total area of 25,000 acres has been used.”
“Oooh, I like this idea,” said Scorch, “And it has something for everyone! The resort has four theme parts such as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It also has two water parks: Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon along with many hotels, golf courses, camping venues, shopping centers, and more!”
“Hold on,” said Verum as she looked up from her crystal ball, “I have news from Disney World. Due to a clash with the government, Florida lawmakers have stripped Walt Disney World of its special self-governing status.”
“Wait what?” said a confused Orak, “Please elaborate!”
“In 1967, a deal was signed between the state and the Walt Disney company. This deal created the Reedy Creek Improvement District. A district is an area of a country or state set aside for administrative purposes. As per it, the company got near-total power over this district,” explained Verum, “Because of this, the company could act as its own municipal government and establish a fire department. The deal also gave the company the right to establish its own airport in the future. But most importantly, Walt Disney Company saved millions of dollars in taxes due to this special status.
Recently, the government of Florida passed an act called ‘Parental Rights in Education’. According to it, parents can challenge books and instructional materials in schools they don’t approve of. It also prevents teachers from addressing certain topics around gender in class.”
“But isn’t that censorship?” wondered Felix.
Censorship is when an authority like the government puts restrictions on the information that can be shared.
“Well, some critics do say that. Disney, too, had similar views. So, the state removed the company’s special status,” replied Verum, “This will come into effect on June 1, 2023.”
“Please keep us updated, Verum!” said Orak, “Till then, we can still go to Disney World, can’t we?”
“Yeah, let’s go!” said Verum.