THE Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. has sent an internal memo to staff qualifying commitments to black employees and outlining specific goals. Among them are reaching U.S. population parity — around 13 percent — for black employees “for all levels” in the next five years; doubling sourcing from black-owned businesses over the next three years, and upping the company’s financial commitment to the black community from $1 million to $10 million.
The note came after employees called for the removal of Ronald Lauder, one of founder Estée Lauder’s sons, from the company’s board after he donated more than $1.75 million to support President Trump.
The employee petition says Lauder’s donations stand in contrast to the company’s then-commitment to donate $1 million in the interests of the black community.
“This total does not match, or exceed Ronald Lauder’s personal donations in support of state-sanctioned violence,” the petition said. In a follow-up letter,
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