Missouri AG sues Starbucks over ‘race-based’ hiring, DEI initiatives

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has taken legal action against Starbucks, alleging that the coffee giant has engaged in “race-based hiring practices” that violate anti-discrimination laws. Bailey’s lawsuit accuses Starbucks of violating the Missouri Human Rights Act by implementing programs that prioritize promoting employees from Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) backgrounds. The lawsuit also points to Starbucks’ goal of achieving at least 30 percent BIPOC representation at all corporate levels and 40 percent in retail and manufacturing roles by 2025.

In a statement, Bailey asserted that Starbucks’ discriminatory practices lead to higher prices and longer wait times for consumers, as the company prioritizes race over qualifications when hiring employees. Starbucks has not yet responded to the allegations made in the lawsuit.

Bailey’s lawsuit draws on a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits race-based discrimination in college admissions, arguing that the same standard should apply to hiring practices. The lawsuit contends that by setting race and gender quotas for hiring and board membership, Starbucks has violated the law.

The legal action against Starbucks comes at a time when the company is reportedly planning layoffs as part of its “Back to Starbucks” strategy, aimed at enhancing the in-store customer experience while improving efficiency. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol recently warned employees about upcoming job eliminations as the company restructures its support organization.

As the lawsuit unfolds, it raises important questions about diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the boundaries between promoting diversity and engaging in discriminatory practices. Starbucks’ response to the allegations will be closely watched as the case progresses through the legal system.

For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Fox News Digital.