On February 11, 2025, the U.S. state of Missouri filed a lawsuit against Starbucks, accusing the coffee chain of illegal racial discrimination. The lawsuit alleges that Starbucks' commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a pretext for quotas that limit the number of white male employees.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey claims that Starbucks' DEI programs have resulted in a 'more female and less white' workforce since CEO Brian Niccol, who is white, took over in 2020. The lawsuit argues that practices, including actions against managers who do not meet DEI goals, violate state and federal laws.
Starbucks has stated its disagreement with Bailey's allegations, affirming its deep commitment to creating opportunity for every employee. This high-profile legal challenge could lead to substantial legal costs, potential reputational damage, and scrutiny of corporate DEI initiatives across the industry.
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