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Google's Europe chief called for solidarity with US colleagues in leaked email: 'It's been devastating to watch what's happened over the weekend and the contrast between America's highs and its lows' (GOOG)

* Google's EMEA President Matt Brittin has called on the company's European employees to stand in solidarity with their US colleagues. * "I hope our Black teammates and all those in pain feel our allegiance here in EMEA," reads Brittin's memo. * The email was sent as a follow-up to a memo shared by CEO Sundar Pichai last week. * "We know many people across our region are finding ways to show solidarity. We stand with those on the side of racial justice and progress," write Brittin. * "We can and will do more." * Do you work at Google? You can contact this reporter securely using encrypted messaging app Signal (+1 628-228-1836) or email (hlangley@businessinsider.com). * Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Matt Brittin, Google's EMEA president, has called on the company's European employees to stand in solidarity with their US colleagues, as protests continue across the US. Brittin's memo, sent to all of Google's Europe employees today, came in response to an email sent by Google CEO Sundar Pichai to US employees on Friday addressing the growing unrest and protests across the US.  In the memo, obtained by Business Insider, Brittin said it had been "devastating to watch" the events unfold over the weekend. "There is rightly a focus on US events now, but we know racism exists beyond borders," he told employees. "It persists through all countries and societies and deeply impacts so many. And pain does not respect geographical boundaries." Brittin also said that "solidarity must be supported by action," and suggested employees join their local allyship group and support organisations committed to advancing racial justice.  It's the latest memo to be shared by a tech executive addressing the death of George Floyd, the black Minneapolis man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck. "I hope our Black teammates and all those in pain feel our allegiance here in EMEA," Brittin added. "We know many people across our region are finding ways to show solidarity. We stand with those on the side of racial justice and progress." Apple CEO Tim Cook also sent a memo on the weekend telling employees, "Issues of human dignity will not abide standing on the sidelines." In Sundar Pichai's memo, the Google and Alphabet CEO wrote, "in times such as these, we may feel like we're moving backwards." However, unlike Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, the Google chief did not make any calls for specific policy changes. A Google spokesperson did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment. Here's the email from Matt Brittin in full. (Note: the email contains links to employee resources, including Google's internal charity site, which we have not included.) "Dear all, I wanted to share Sundar's note sent to US teams before the weekend. Mostly I wanted to reiterate his key message – and Google's message – of solidarity. It's been devastating to watch what's happened over the weekend and the contrast between America's highs and its lows. Sending astronauts into space for the first time in years with breakthrough technology while street protests ignite, fueled by deep racial divisions. There is rightly a focus on US events now, but we know racism exists beyond borders. It persists through all countries and societies and deeply impacts so many. And pain does not respect geographical boundaries. I hope our Black teammates and all those in pain feel our allegiance here in EMEA. We know many people across our region are finding ways to show solidarity. We stand with those on the side of racial justice and progress. Solidarity must be supported by action. As a company, we're using our platforms and resources to show our support for the black community. We can and will do more. We can also take action as individuals, from joining your local allyship group, continuing to educate ourselves - or by supporting organisations committed to advancing racial justice. Every action adds up. Recent events will be weighing heavy on many. As EMEA leaders, we wholly support Black+ Googlers taking the time they need to take care of themselves, and ask all of you to be mindful and supportive of those in your team who might be directly affected. Do use the resources below and look after yourselves. Thank you for taking care of each other. Matt on behalf of the EMEA leadership team." SEE ALSO: Trump's new executive order on social media seeks to turn the FCC into the internet 'speech police,' something it has spent years trying to avoid Join the conversation about this story » NOW WATCH: Tax Day is now July 15 — this is what it's like to do your own taxes for the very first time
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