Ben & Jerry’s made a strong statement after the January 6, 2021 insurrection, condemning white supremacy and calling for white people to take responsibility for dismantling it. The company highlighted the racial disparity in how the rioters were treated and emphasized the role white privilege played in allowing the violence to unfold without significant consequences.

The statement framed the event as a clear example of a “double standard” in America, contrasting the peaceful, record voter turnout driven by Black voters with the violent, white-led attempt to overturn the election results. Ben & Jerry’s called for a response to this “double standard,” advocating for accountability and immediate action, including impeachment or the 25th Amendment, to address the insurrection.

Co-founder Jerry Greenfield also stressed the need for criminal justice reform, particularly in police accountability. He pointed out the problem of qualified immunity, which shields police officers from legal consequences, and called for reforms to rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement.

This statement reflects Ben & Jerry’s ongoing commitment to social justice issues and positions the company as an advocate for systemic change, urging white people to play an active role in addressing racial inequality.