Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed suit against Starbucks Coffee Company last week, alleging unlawful hiring practices tied to diversity and inclusion.
In one particularly coarse assertion of fact in the case, the federal lawsuit states that between 2020 and 2024, “Starbuck’s workface [sic] has become more female and less white.”
Filed on behalf of the state of Missouri, the suit describes the Seattle-based coffee company’s commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as a “mere pretext for its actual commitment for unlawful discrimination.”
Starbucks has shared the following statement with numerous media outlets, including CBS News and Bloomberg Law: “We disagree with the attorney general, and these allegations are inaccurate. We are deeply committed to creating opportunity for every single one of our partners (employees). Our programs and benefits are open to everyone and lawful.”
The federal lawsuit cites the United States Supreme Court’s 2023 Students for Fair Admissions vs. Harvard decision, which struck down affirmative action in college admissions. In terms of timing, it follows executive orders and threats from President Donald Trump to penalize and/or criminalize DEI efforts in the private sector.
“As Attorney General, I have a responsibility to protect Missourians from a company that actively engages in systemic race and sex discrimination,” Bailey said in an announcement of the lawsuit. “Racism has no place in Missouri. We’re filing suit to halt this blatant violation of the Missouri Human Rights Act in its tracks.”
The lawsuit claims that Starbucks, which employs “hundreds, if not thousands” of Missourians has brought harm to Missouri residents through diversity-driven hiring practices. It said Missourians have been “required” to “pay higher prices and wait longer for goods and services that could be provided for less had Starbucks employed the most qualified workers.”
Shortly after filing the lawsuit, Bailey asked Missouri legislators to approve a $3 million 2026 budget increase for his office.
The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
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Nick Brown
Nick Brown is the editor of Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine.
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