Missouri sues Starbucks over racial and gender bias, alleging discrimination and harassment in workplace

From Investing.com: 2025-02-11 15:46:02

Missouri is suing Starbucks over allegations of racial and gender bias in its workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. The lawsuit claims that Starbucks has failed to address discrimination and harassment against Black and female employees, violating Missouri’s Human Rights Act. The state seeks monetary damages and changes to Starbucks’ policies.

The lawsuit comes after a two-year investigation by the Missouri Attorney General’s office, which found evidence of systemic discrimination at Starbucks. The investigation uncovered instances of Black employees being passed over for promotions, receiving lower pay than their white counterparts, and facing racial slurs and derogatory comments. Female employees also reported being harassed and discriminated against based on their gender.

Starbucks has denied the allegations, stating that it takes diversity and inclusion seriously and has made efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace. The company has implemented DEI training programs, established employee resource groups, and committed to hiring more diverse employees. However, the Missouri Attorney General’s office believes that Starbucks has not done enough to address the underlying issues of bias and discrimination.

The lawsuit against Starbucks highlights the ongoing challenges faced by companies in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces. It serves as a reminder that DEI initiatives must be backed by concrete actions and accountability measures to effectively address discrimination and bias. Starbucks’ response to the lawsuit and the outcome of the case will be closely watched as a test of its commitment to diversity and inclusion.



Read more at Investing.com: Starbucks sued by Missouri over DEI, race and gender bias