In a recent lawsuit filed in New York federal court, Bill Schultz, a former executive producer, has taken legal action against Al Roker and his production banner. Schultz, known for his work on popular animated series such as "The Simpsons," "King of The Hill," and "Garfield," claims that he was wrongfully terminated for objecting to the company's failure to adhere to a diversity initiative mandated by PBS.

The lawsuit alleges that executives at Al Roker Entertainment disregarded a diversity, equity, and inclusion program, referred to as DEI, which was designed to bring more minority writers onto PBS television productions. Schultz claims that the company attempted to present a false appearance of diversity by having black writers touch up scripts written by white writers, rather than genuinely diversifying the writing team.

DEI initiatives have gained significant attention in Hollywood as efforts are made to boost diversity both on and off the screen. However, these programs have faced legal scrutiny from plaintiffs who argue that companies are not properly implementing the initiatives. Some have even claimed that these initiatives discriminate against non-preferred groups, especially following the Supreme Court's opinion against affirmative action.

The complaint focuses on the animated series "Weather Hunters," which has a unique ownership structure. PBS provided the majority of the production costs for the show's 40 half-hour episodes, with the stipulation that the project adhered to a DEI plan. Given that the target demographic for "Weather Hunters" was Black families, efforts to promote diversity were seen as especially vital.

Schultz alleges that executives at Al Roker Entertainment treated the DEI policy as optional and hindered its implementation. The lawsuit states that after a meeting in August 2023, during which the show's story editor expressed a preference for non-BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) writers, Schultz was served a notice of breach of contract.

The complaint further claims that a Black producer critical of the DEI policy was reprimanded, and shortly thereafter, Schultz was suspended and ultimately terminated. Schultz accuses management at Al Roker Entertainment of viewing DEI as an obstacle rather than a requirement, treating it as a mere checkbox rather than a meaningful commitment.

With an extensive career in the industry, including work with Cartoon Networks and Marvel Studios, Schultz is seeking legal recourse for violations of New York's human rights law, breach of contract, negligence, and more. He asserts that "Weather Hunters" was a project he strongly believed in, with the goal of creating opportunities for new voices in storytelling and upholding the ideals the series was meant to represent.

As this lawsuit unfolds, it sheds light on the challenges and complexities surrounding DEI initiatives in the entertainment industry. It serves as a reminder that true diversity and inclusion require genuine commitment and implementation rather than token gestures.