A Letter to the McDonald's System

Dear McDonald's USA, 

In the past as a company, we tended to stay silent on issues that don’t directly involve our business. But since stepping into this role, I have assured you that I would communicate openly and transparently because I believe that it is critical to address issues that are affecting us all.

Quite simply, I am appalled by recent events in Louisville, Georgia, New York, and Minneapolis. And as I personally reflect upon them, along with my wife and children at our dinner table, I feel shaken and I know many of you do, too. I share your concerns, sadness, and anger.

I will not speak to – nor will I claim to fully understand – how events like these affect African Americans and people of color. However, I see and recognize the impact these events have at an individual and collective level. And, when any member of our McFamily hurts, we all hurt.  

That’s why we need to take a moment to acknowledge what so many across the McDonald’s System and in our communities are feeling right now, and to listen. At the same time, our actions matter, and so we must recommit to our shared values of diversity and inclusion. At McDonald’s, our doors are open to everyone, and we exclude nobody. 

Over the next several weeks, McDonald’s will provide several opportunities to discuss these issues and our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Additionally, I encourage you to write me directly with thoughts and ideas as to how McDonald’s can reinforce its commitment to our communities and share anything else that’s on your mind.

I join those around the country today in looking for answers, praying for healing, and calling for action. And, here at McDonald’s, I am confident that our long-held values, collective reflections, dialogue and actions will play an important role in helping us get through this together.

– Joe Erlinger

President, McDonald's USA