CEOs: Racism, Murder and Injustice Have No Place in Business and at Work

If instead the manager of a retail store in Minnesota had assaulted and murdered George Floyd while 3 other store employees stood by and did nothing, not only would all 4 have been immediately fired, they would also be in jail charged with murder and accessory to murder the same day, speaking as a former retail HR Director.

In the midst of all of this anguish, I’ve seen and read a few beacons of hope. Members of the Schenectady, NY police force took off their riot gear last Sunday and supported the peaceful protest against Mr. Floyd’s murder, holding hands with the protesters and taking a knee in solidarity with them.

These CEOs among many others across the country have taken a stand as well.

On Boston Scientific’s website, and LinkedIn (in the spirit of full disclosure, Boston Scientific is one of my past employers):

Netflix on Twitter: “To be silent is to be complicit. Black lives matter. We have a platform, and we have a duty to our Black members, employees, creators and talent to speak up. / Twitter”

To be silent is to be complicit. Black lives matter. We have a platform, and we have a duty to our Black members, employees, creators and talent to speak up.

A letter to Minnesota-based Medtronic employees

Below is a letter I shared with Medtronic employees in Minnesota in light of the tragic events in Minneapolis this week. Colleagues, The news and video of the apprehension and death of George Floyd and the ensuing unrest in Minneapolis has rattled me, and I know it has rattled you.

And this partial list of Minnesota CEOs among many others made this joint statement:

Minnesota CEOs join Children’s Minnesota in response to recent tragedy

PRNewswire/ — Children’s Minnesota is releasing the following statement on behalf of more than 50 executive leaders from across the state. They are joining…

As business leaders in Minnesota committed to the principles of greater equity, diversity and inclusion in our companies and in our community, we are deeply saddened and horrified by the recent death of Mr. George Floyd. We share our sincere condolences with his family and friends, and all those who mourn this tragic loss. His death while being restrained by Minneapolis police officers is yet another senseless loss of life—one that reflects deeply ingrained, long-standing injustice within our society. We are encouraged by the quick response of the authorities in terminating the officers and launching an investigation. We anticipate that it will lead to justice and accountability.

Corie Barry
Best Buy

Craig E. Samitt, MD
Blue Cross MN

Michael J. O’Leary
Ernst & Young LLP

Jeff Harmening
General Mills

Beth E. Ford
Land O’Lakes, Inc.

Geoff Martha
Medtronic

Andrew Cecere
US Bank

Laurie Nordquist
Wells Fargo MN

Ben Fowke
Xcel Energy, Inc.

What is your commitment to protecting your employees and customers from racism, murder and injustice in business and at work?