American Family hopes for healing, asks for continued work on social justice following trial verdict

As we reflect on today’s conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd, we recognize the significant work needed to ensure the lives of people of color are valued and protected.

“Almost a year ago, the world reacted with sorrow and anger to George Floyd’s murder. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and everyone who feels the emotional pain of his death, as well as all who continue to experience the tragic injustice of systemic racism,” American Family Insurance Chair and CEO Jack Salzwedel said. “As a company, we hope this moment can bring some healing. The care, respect and empathy we show each other now is more critical than ever.”

“American Family will use this moment as a catalyst to strengthen the diversity, equity and inclusion inside our organization, while continuing our work to help make our country more just, more inclusive, and more equitable. We urge other individuals, companies and organizations to use their voices and resources to create change.”

American Family has long partnered with organizations and individuals to help address societal issues that lead to inequities. In February, the company announced a five-year commitment to help close racial equity gaps and affect positive change in communities. The work focuses on five societal issues: Economic empowerment; education and health equity; climate resilience; criminal justice reform; and workforce diversity, equity and inclusion.

American Family believes in an inclusive culture where all individuals feel they can bring their whole selves to work. American Family and its subsidiary companies have a variety of employee-led Business Resource Groups (BRGs), which provide networking, education and input on business practices and decisions regarding diversity.

At American Family Insurance, these groups include Abilities, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, LGBTQA, Multicultural, South Asian, Southeast/East Asian, Veterans/Military and Women’s. The BRGs hosted a supportive discussion session for employees during the Minneapolis trial and plan to hold additional sessions now that the trial has ended.

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About the American Family Insurance group
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family Insurance has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investment and creative partnerships to address societal challenges. We act on our belief in diversity and inclusion by constantly evolving to meet customer needs and preferences. American Family Insurance group is the nation’s 13th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 254 on the Fortune 500 list. The group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, The General, Homesite and Main Street America. Across these companies the group has more than 13,200 employees nationwide.