Coca-cola did the right thing, should do more

An open letter from 290 alumni of Coca-cola Scholars.

Dear James Quincey and the board of directors:

As Coca-cola Scholars, we write first to thank you for your investment in us and your belief that we would make a difference in our communities, states and country. You believed in us because we embody the spirit of service and the commitment to making lasting positive change. As nonprofit, business, education and governmental leaders across the country, we are grateful for the role Coca-cola has played in our success.

That’s why, in this moment where fundamental tenets of our democracy are being challenged, we were excited to see CocaCola take a stance. We appreciate the company’s latest statement in opposition to the new law in Georgia which adds significant barriers to exercising the right to vote. We especially appreciate Alfredo Rivera’s entreaty to change this law and his position that this law isn’t the “final chapter.”

Our nation has a rich tradition of people from all walks of life coming together to ensure that all Americans have the right to vote. As scholars, we are coming together in this way, as a broad coalition from across the political spectrum in this critical moment. We humbly offer to grow our relationship with you by engaging in a thoughtful conversation on defending and expanding voting rights in the United States; we would love the opportunity to write this next chapter with you.

The ability to vote in this country should never be considered a partisan issue. While some who erect systematic and calculated barriers to the ballot box may benefit from that perception, we see it as you do: a fundamental, essential and sacred right.

Coca-cola is one of the most influential and respected companies in the world. You have the ability to depoliticize voting rights in our democracy, affirming it as a given — something every American regardless of party affiliation, ZIP code, voting record or beliefs holds dear.

The New Georgia Project Action Fund and Black Voters Matter have issued the following requests to Coca-cola, which we strongly support:

■ Stop funding legislators who sponsor voter suppression bills

■ Support voting rights efforts in other states

■ Issue a strong public statement supporting H.R. 1 (For the People Act) and H.R. 4 (Voting Rights Advancement Act)

Not only do we amplify these requests, but we also see an enormous opportunity for CocaCola to demonstrate national leadership on voting rights in its messaging as a company. If Coca-cola were to use its media channels to affirm that voting is a sacred American freedom, we think it would have a huge impact in leading the narrative and depoliticizing the issue of voting rights.

In the last few months, at least 250 bills have been introduced in 43 states to limit access to voting.

Coca-cola can make clear that as a company, it does not support legislation, lawmakers or organizations who strive to limit voting rights and access. By publicly supporting federal legislation to ensure people across the country have equal access to the polls, Coca-cola can also champion a level playing field for candidates, parties and ideas from all ideologies to compete from and be heard.

We see a unique opportunity to work together and embrace your efforts to fully step into your power.

This letter is signed by 290 Coca-cola Scholars alumni from 40 states and nine nations, representing every Coca-cola Scholars class year from 1989 to 2020. Signers include a congressman, a state representative and other leaders from the nonprofit, business, education and government sectors.