Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe told the intelligence community that “racism of any kind” will not be tolerated.
Ratcliffe sent the message to the intelligence community last week after the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
“We do not and will not tolerate racism of any kind,” Ratcliffe’s message to employees said, according to the Wall Street Journal. “As members of the [intelligence community], we work alongside colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. This diversity makes us better and more effective, both as individuals and as a Community.”
“Right now, many in our Community are hurting. The death of George Floyd was a horrific tragedy that has filled Americans across our country with anger and grief,” he wrote. “We also have a responsibility — as leaders, colleagues, and friends — to provide an emotional and physical safe place for all employees, especially African American employees who have experienced the pain of racial injustice.”
Floyd’s death sparked protests across the world, calling for police reform and an end to racial injustice.
