National and local headlines about protests, social injustice and police reform have created a divide in our communities. Statements from large corporations, with massive social media budgets, can be seen as pandering or polarizing. Other employers want to make a statement or take action but are concerned about potential employee and public ramifications. Employees want their employers to do something but can’t necessarily agree on what should be done.

These are delicate topics. No matter how well-meaning or planned, a statement or professed policy is not likely to satisfy all constituents and could actually make an already touchy situation worse. Before you take a stand, make a statement or encourage employee action, think about potential ramifications. Even well-intentioned moves can still break discrimination laws. Here are some points to consider, and issues to avoid, as an employer or employee in these challenging times.