Missouri Sues Starbucks Over Alleged Discrimination in DEI Practices

The lawsuit claims Starbucks' diversity initiatives violate anti-discrimination laws by prioritizing race and gender over merit in hiring and promotions.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a lawsuit accusing Starbucks of systemic race and sex-based discrimination through its DEI programs.
The lawsuit alleges that Starbucks uses hiring quotas, mentorship programs, and executive bonuses tied to diversity goals, which it claims are unlawful under federal and state laws.
The complaint argues that Starbucks' DEI policies disadvantage white and male employees and lead to higher costs and longer wait times for customers, though no evidence for these claims was provided.
Starbucks denies the allegations, stating its programs are inclusive, lawful, and designed to ensure the strongest candidate is hired for every position.
The lawsuit reflects broader legal challenges against corporate DEI efforts, spurred by recent actions from the Trump administration targeting diversity programs in both public and private sectors.