Hollywood’s relationship with diversity has always been… let’s just say, a work in progress. Enter the SAG-AFTRA Diversity Resolution.
If there’s one thing we know at Hollywoodland News, it’s that progress doesn’t happen without advocacy, accountability, and a little bit of fire under the feet of those in power. SAG-AFTRA just reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in a unanimous National Board resolution passed on March 15, 2025. And friends, this isn’t just a feel-good statement—it’s a demand for action.
In their March 17, 2025, press release, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated, “The accurate and authentic portrayal of the American Scene is essential to the integrity and credibility of the entertainment and media industry” and acknowledged that “systemic barriers to full and fair inclusion, equal employment opportunity, and accessibility persist, requiring continued vigilance and advocacy to ensure that progress is maintained and accelerated.”
Why the SAG-AFTRA Diversity Resolution Matters
The phrase “The American Scene” might sound like something out of a 1950s civics textbook, but in the context of entertainment, it’s been a core tenet of SAG-AFTRA’s agreements for over 60 years. It means that our screens—big and small—should reflect the actual, diverse makeup of this country. We’re talking racial diversity, gender representation, disability inclusion, LGBTQIA+ visibility—the full spectrum of humanity.
If you read our news, then you already know that Hollywood has a long history of erasure, tokenism, and flat-out exclusion. But SAG-AFTRA is making it clear: the industry has a responsibility to accurately and authentically represent everyone.
At Hollywoodland News, we absolutely love to see this commitment when the rest of the country (and the Trump administration, specifically) seems hellbent on dismantling DEI initiatives. While institutions across America are stripping away protections and funding for diversity programs, SAG-AFTRA is doubling down on its responsibility to push forward. This resolution is a rare, refreshing moment where power is being used for inclusion rather than against it.
Breaking Down the SAG-AFTRA Diversity Resolution
The resolution, championed by the SAG-AFTRA Diversity Advisory Committee, doesn’t just talk the talk. It explicitly acknowledges that systemic barriers to full inclusion still exist—something marginalized performers have been saying forever. It recognizes that equal employment opportunity isn’t just a nice idea but a necessity for maintaining Hollywood’s credibility. And let’s be real: authenticity sells. Audiences want real representation, not outdated stereotypes or whitewashed narratives.
The union reinforced its commitment to accountability, stating, “We will be engaging directly with employers to reaffirm their obligations under the various SAG-AFTRA contracts and that they remain in full compliance with those commitments.”
This isn’t just lip service—it’s a push to ensure that studios and networks aren’t treating diversity as an afterthought but as an industry standard.
The SAG-AFTRA Diversity Resolution:
A Call for Accountability
SAG-AFTRA isn’t just making promises; they’re holding studios, networks, and employers accountable. The message is clear: Contracts require diversity, and those commitments must be upheld. Employers will be engaged directly to ensure they’re in compliance with these agreements.
This means that companies can’t just slap a diversity statement on their website and call it a day. Representation behind the scenes—writers, directors, producers, executives—must match the commitment on screen.
Why This is More Important Than Ever
DEIA efforts in Hollywood have faced backlash in recent years, with some claiming that diversity initiatives are “going too far.” But let’s not forget:
- Opportunities for marginalized performers are still disproportionately limited.
- Hollywood’s history is full of exclusionary practices that still have ripple effects today.
- Representation isn’t just about numbers; it’s about power, influence, and systemic change.
For decades, SAG-AFTRA has been on the front lines of this fight, and this resolution proves that they’re not backing down. The entertainment industry is at a crossroads, and unions like SAG-AFTRA are ensuring that the path forward isn’t just paved with good intentions but with real, enforceable change.
The Takeaway: We Rise Together
SAG-AFTRA’s leadership, including President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, is sending a clear message: diversity isn’t a trend; it’s a fundamental part of the industry’s integrity. “Our strength is to influence Americans by example — to always raise the bar on the dream of ‘…one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ALL.’”
At Hollywoodland News, we will always advocate for the voices that need to be heard. When the broader landscape is trying to erase DEI, Hollywood’s biggest union standing firm is a victory worth celebrating. The fight for inclusion is ongoing, and if history has taught us anything, it’s that progress doesn’t happen without collective action.
So, to all my fellow advocates, performers, and storytellers—keep pushing. Keep demanding better. Keep amplifying underrepresented voices. Because Hollywood isn’t Hollywood without all of us.
Read more about SAG-AFTRA here.
What do you think about SAG-AFTRA’s reaffirmation of DEIA? Drop your thoughts below and let’s talk!
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