Attacks against Asian Americans, Asians-in America, and Pacific Islanders in Michigan and around the country have been escalating, a disturbing trend that we strongly condemn. The xenophobia, racism and violence leveled against the Asian community runs counter to the values CMS Energy and Consumers Energy hold as a company. As we continue on our journey to fully embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, taking a stand against racism is always the right decision.

It is also consistent with our values to encourage people to act when we know something is not right. We encourage all of our co-workers and people around the country to report crimes motivated by xenophobia and racism, whether they are a victim or if they are a witness. In Michigan, they can contact the Department of the Attorney General Hate Crimes Unit by phone at 313-456-0200 or by email at HateCrimes@michigan.gov.

In the past few months, the Black community has been ravaged by death due to health disparities related to COVID-19 and through social injustices brought on by police brutality. Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd, were the most recent victims, including those who died at the hands of police officers, including a former police officer, whose duties are to protect the communities in which they serve.

As we watched the onset of COVID-19, the disease spread rapidly, especially among communities of color. The deadly infection disproportionately hit African American communities hard. Black people are dying at higher rates than their proportion of the population. On behalf of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, our Company, and all Employee Resource Groups, we want you to know that we support you and feel your pain. We stand by your side throughout this unprecedented time.

In 2021, we launched a from-the-top learning model for our 8,500 employees, starting with company leaders. This includes 100% unconscious bias training for employees across the company by 2022, leaders by 2021. We’re setting common expectations and norms about all things DE&I. By training all employees in core DE&I concepts — such as the roles unconscious bias plays in our personal and professional relationships and decision-making — we’re building a solid foundation that makes DE&I an integral part of our work experience.

We want all employees in all settings to see, hear and feel DE&I’s presence and influence in every aspect of their Consumers Energy experience, from hiring to retirement and every step in between.

We’ve engaged six DE&I Inclusion Champions to help bring those core concepts to life at all organizational levels. We’re also the first utility – and the first company – in the nation to tap our union workforce to serve as champions.

Our Inclusion Champions advance belonging by leading grassroots communication efforts, sharing opportunities for involvement, identifying and addressing gaps, solving problems and providing continuous learning and development.

Whether in the field or in the office, we’re cultivating a happier, more engaged workforce that’s more likely to stay and grow their careers with Consumers Energy.

Consumers Energy joined the Ouch and Educate approach a few years ago and we continue to expand training and awareness for the program. Sometimes people do or say things – make a comment that hits you wrong– that cause us to feel slighted or disrespected. These seemingly innocent comments and actions aren’t meant to offend, but can nonetheless. As we strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels comfortable bringing their whole selves to work, it is important to identify and resolve these microslights before they are repeated. The company-wide “ouch” campaign is designed to do just that. The effort gives the opportunity to educate the co-worker about why they had an “ouch” reaction. The “ouch” campaign offers a more positive and effective approach that can resolve the issue and keep it from happening in the future.