The stress and difficulty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has been magnified significantly over the last several days. We have all witnessed the rioting and violence erupting from the righteous and lawful protests of George Floyd’s murder and police brutality in the United States toward Black Americans and people of color.
It is difficult to clearly understand how these situations will resolve, but I firmly believe that important and positive changes will occur that alter the negative trajectory of racial injustice and inequity in America and indeed around the world. Rightfully so, leadership will be tested during this period of societal disruption, and it is incumbent on individual leaders and organizations like RTI to be a model for charting a positive path forward. In that light, I want to reiterate portions of the message I sent to all RTI staff members in August 2017 following the disturbing events that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia. What I shared then very much applies to us today.
At RTI, we are a dynamic global community that is fully committed to improving the human condition. Through our actions on a daily basis, we deliver the promise of science for global good. We rely on objectivity and science to guide us in our journey to provide innovative, creative and lasting solutions to problems in society. Our values as a community, leveraged by our status as a research institute, lead us to appreciate and fully support diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in our work to solve problems in our communities and around the world.
I often find myself reflecting on what I perceive to be the core value of RTI. I believe that it is respect for the individual. We treat one another fairly, with dignity and equity, and we support each other to develop to our full potential. Each day we strive to uphold this value in our interactions with our co-workers, clients, partners and those who we try to assist. The entrance of hate, injustice, bias and bigotry into our lives makes us even more determined to use our values-driven and mission-focused approach to better the world.
I am proud of the fact that I work with you at a mission- and values-driven organization. Every day, we strive to achieve the highest levels of ethical and moral obligation. Let us use this time to reflect on and recommit to our strengths as we continue the hard work to provide solutions that help people and communities thrive worldwide.
These current trying times call on us even more as individuals and organizations to uphold our values and respect for one another, as we both personally and professionally address the world’s most important problems. I know you join me in strengthening our commitment to fight against violence, bigotry and hatred in our sincere and heartfelt efforts to make the world a better place for all of humanity.
Disclaimer: This piece was written by E. Wayne Holden (President and CEO, RTI International) to share perspectives on a topic of interest. Expression of opinions within are those of the author or authors.