American business leaders need to speak up about Alex Pretti's killing

"A question for America's business leaders: Do you think that masked federal agents were right to shoot and kill protester Alex Pretti on a Minneapolis street on Saturday? If the answer is yes, then no need to read further. For the rest of you: If you are sickened by what you saw this weekend - say that. Out loud. And don't qualify it with "both sides" framing - just say that the thing that you saw, with your own eyes, is appalling."

"The Trump administration has spent the last year making it clear that it will pressure and punish institutions and companies that don't bend to its will. See: Law firms, colleges, media companies, for starters. Attaching yourself to any issue that can be considered "political" can generate blowback, starting with the threat of consumer boycotts. A bunch of you did speak up in 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, and embraced all kinds of pro-diversity statements and policies."

"To be clear, I'm not asking you to launch an ad campaign, or order up some performative Instagram posts, or any other kind of corporate theatre. Just say the thing you believeis right: It's wrong for masked federal agents to kill protesters in the streets, and that you condemn it. You can go further if you'd like. Perhaps a call for the Trump administration to take accountability for its agents' actions. Maybe you can ask for a truly independent investigation into Pretti's killing."

Many business leaders have remained silent after the killing of Alex Pretti by masked federal agents. Business leaders are urged to speak plainly: condemn the killing without qualifying it with "both sides" rhetoric. Reasons for silence include fear of angering the Trump administration, potential pressure and punishment of institutions, risk of consumer backlash, and retreat from prior pro-diversity commitments. The recommended response is simple public condemnation, possible calls for accountability from the administration, and support for a truly independent investigation into Pretti's killing if conscience demands further action.

Read at Business Insider