Major medtech companies with a presence in the Minnesota have been calling for peace, unity and racial justice following the death of George Floyd in police custody and the resulting demonstrations and violence.
Executives from Boston Scientific, Medtronic and the Medical Alley Association have penned open letters expressing their concerns and pledging to do better. Then Edwards Lifesciences and the medical device trade group AdvaMed added statements.
On Monday, Edwards CEO Mike Musallem told employees that Floyd’s death was “tragic and inexcusable.”
“Seeking diverse perspectives is part of our Secret Sauce because it makes us better and stronger, and we need all perspectives now more than ever,” Musallem said in the letter. “As we navigate these difficult times, it’s critical that we continue to treat each of our colleagues, and all people, with the respect, dignity and humanity we all deserve.”
Thousands of people have taken to the streets across the country since the Memorial Day death of Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis. The unarmed black man died while a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck and bystanders pleaded for the officer to stop.
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