Earlier today, Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson shared a note with all EA employees, affirming the company’s commitment to taking a stand with the African-American/black community against racial discrimination and laying out the company’s current action plan towards this purpose.
The note mentioned that Electronic Arts has been holding conversations with employees in light of recent events, encouraging them to speak out and share their perspectives. It also said that the executive team would be in dialogue with the leadership of the Black Electronic Arts Team employee resource group on how to proceed with making active changes towards equality within the company and the community.
The note stressed commitment to long-term self-education and substantive action against racism and discrimination, beyond just listening and communication.
EA pledged to donate $1 million to organizations dedicated to fighting for racial justice in the U.S. and against discrimination around the world, such as the Equal Justice Initiative and the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund. EA also promised to double match funds donated by employees to these or any other local organizations during the month of June.
Furthermore, EA will be giving all employees one additional paid day each year, to be applied toward volunteering. The note states that EA hopes to encourage its employees to safely contribute to making positive changes in their local communities through this new program.
On June 19, EA plans to dedicate a company-wide volunteering day in honor of Juneteenth, as well as host forums and virtual activities organized by the Black Electronic Arts Team ERG.
The full note can be found on here, on EA.com.
EA is an American video game company, and the second largest in the Americas and Europe by revenue. As of 2018, it has 9,300 employees.
Source: EA.com