Standing Together: A Public Statement from Rapid7 CEO Corey Thomas
It has been shocking for many people in the United States and around the world to see the stark racial injustice and inequality that still exists in the US. It has now become impossible to ignore the systematic racism in light of the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, killed while jogging; Breonna Taylor, an unarmed black woman killed in her own home; George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed by police in Minnesota; a white woman in New York who attempted to weaponize the police against Christian Cooper – a Harvard-educated bird watcher; and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in black and brown communities.
The murder of George Floyd was horrific and hopefully will serve as a catalyst for systematic change to a broken justice system. At Rapid7, we stand with the community in condemning not only the acts that led to the death of George Floyd but also the system that allowed these acts to remain prevalent for so long. However, we also know that racial injustice does not exist in a bubble. It exists within a larger system of social, political, and economic injustice.
We are committed to not just advocating for a justice and police system that values black and brown lives, but are also committed to taking action to improve racial diversity, inclusion, as well as, safety in our company and in our industry. It is hugely important that we publicly stand with and support people of color, but businesses must also take action in our companies to make them more diverse and welcoming to black and brown people. It’s not enough to just critique, we must also act.
We are committed to not just continue but accelerate our progress in:
- Actively participating in our local communities to support improvements in the justice system
- Supporting schools in our communities to improve access and resources for black students and other students of color
- And expanding opportunities for people of color at Rapid7 and in the technology industry at large
On a personal level, there are moments this past week, where I looked upon our world with a sense of fear. I have a deep fear that my son and my daughter will live in a world not just of racial bias and discrimination but also a world where the color of their skin continues to be a major determinant of whether they live or die. Their safety and all black people’s safety requires not just supportive words but a commitment to change, and through that, will spring hope for better days.
To my dear friends and colleagues who have asked what they can do, please advocate for valuing black and brown lives in your local communities, and please work to improve access to opportunities for black and brown people in your companies.
Hopefully yours,
Corey
