We are writing to share with you a sense of heartbreak and pain over the brutal killing of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis. We express sympathy and support for the peaceful protesters who raised their voices, in America and around the world, against racism, bigotry and discrimination. We stand in solidarity with the peaceful protesters, the African-American community, and with people of all races, genders, sexual orientations and beliefs – all those who fight for justice and against bigotry and racism.

Every year, when they renew their membership, IEEE members recommit themselves to the highest ethical and professional conduct; to hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public; to treat fairly all persons; and to refrain from acts of discrimination based on race, religion, gender, disability, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This commitment, and the status of IEEE members as leaders and educators in numerous civic organizations, corporations, schools, and communities, obligates us to recognize acts of discrimination, segregation and bigotry, and to oppose them actively.

Moreover, as members of a professional society founded on the principle of the freedom of association, we are committed to the right to protest, which is derived from the freedom of assembly and the freedom of speech. Peaceful protesters in America and around the globe, who took to the streets to protest institutionalized brutality against African-Americans, and to support equality, nondiscrimination, and human rights, deserve protection and respect, not harassment and persecution.

We call on our fellow IEEE members to recognize that unless the ongoing malignancy of racism, explicit or implicit, is confronted actively, our commitments as professionals and as human beings to the welfare and safety of our communities cannot be met – in our schools, workplaces, voluntary associations, public institutions, and our government. We call on the IEEE Board of Directors and leadership to join us in this reaffirmation of the principles on which IEEE stands, and to do so openly, directly, unequivocally, and explicitly.