To the Lear Family:

It has been deeply upsetting to watch recent events in the United States. While our country has made significant progress during our lifetimes, the senseless death of George Floyd reminds us how far we as a society still have to go to address systemic racism. Years change, the decades go on, yet the sad truth remains – race-related tragedies continue to happen. In the months just preceding George Floyd’s death, we also witnessed the senseless killings of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.

And our current circumstances, including those surrounding COVID-19 and its disparate impact on communities of color, have again shone an unavoidable spotlight on the inequality that exists in America. Disparities exist not only in policing and criminal justice, but also in health care, housing, education, income, and opportunity for Black and Brown people in America.

It is past time for change, and I ask you to join me in making a difference. Individual contributions are needed from everyone. Together, we can do more. Together, we can do better.

At Lear, we have a long-standing commitment to a workplace that is diverse, inclusive, and free from bias and discrimination. Last year, I signed the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion pledge, which reaffirmed our commitment to cultivating a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected and where employees feel comfortable and empowered to discuss diversity and inclusion. We also hosted the interactive “Check Your Blind Spots” tour at our Southfield Headquarters campus, expanded our Employee Resource Groups for women and people of color, and formed a Global Diversity Roundtable to share, discuss, and celebrate diversity and inclusion efforts across our organization.

But we can do more to drive change both inside and outside Lear because racism has no place here at Lear or anywhere in the world. Today, we are expanding our efforts by committing $1 million to support organizations and initiatives to address issues related to social inequality and discrimination. Lear’s core values are built on diversity, inclusion, and compassion. We know that foundation makes us a better company.

I encourage you to become actively involved in our diversity efforts, engage your co-workers in meaningful dialogue, and educate yourself on racism through helpful resources, including those highlighted on the United Nations website.

I know recent events have affected members of our community in deep and personal ways, with many of you experiencing a range of emotions, including pain, fear, and anger. For all of you who are heartbroken right now, you are not alone. I am, too.

We all stand in solidarity with our Black and Brown colleagues against intolerance and complacency and re-commit ourselves to building awareness of racial injustice and demanding fairness for everyone.

It is incumbent on all of us to reach out to our friends and co-workers to offer encouragement. Despite our physical separation, it is more important than ever to support one another and come together.

Let’s focus on our common humanity and on how our differences can be resolved to heal our communities. Standing on the sidelines is not an option. Let’s change.

Stay safe,

Ray Scott

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

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