- Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a lawsuit against Starbucks, alleging the company discriminates based on race and gender. He argues these practices violate federal and state laws.
- The lawsuit references the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on race and college admissions.
- Bailey’s complaint targets Starbucks’ diversity programs, claiming they create segregation by excluding white men from certain opportunities.
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Missouri’s top prosecutor has filed a lawsuit against Starbucks, accusing the coffee giant of discriminatory practices based on race and gender within its workforce. Attorney General Andrew Bailey claims the company’s policies violate both federal and state laws.
Allegations of discrimination in pay and promotions
Bailey filed the lawsuit Tuesday, Feb. 11, accusing Starbucks of using race and gender as criteria in both pay and promotions and in its leadership selection. The complaint argues these practices are discriminatory and unlawful under both federal and state law.
In response to the lawsuit’s claims, a Starbucks spokesperson said, “We are deeply committed to creating opportunity for every single one of our partners (employees).”
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Reference to 2023 Supreme Court ruling
Bailey’s legal argument references the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling, which declared individuals must be treated equally when applying to college, regardless of race. Bailey contends the same principle should apply to employers, arguing race should not be a factor in hiring or promotions.
Court documents also reference the Civil Rights Act of 1964, stating, “Congress outlawed all racial discrimination, recognizing that no discrimination based on race is benign, that no action disadvantaging a person because of his color is affirmative.”
Starbucks’ DEI programs
The lawsuit also examines Starbucks’ diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives launched in 2020. The company set goals to diversify its staff by reaching marginalized communities and investing in talent development through training and programs. Bailey argues these initiatives have caused segregation within the company, as white men are excluded from certain opportunities.
Starbucks data reveals nearly 48% of its workforce is white, with less than 5% Asian, 32% Hispanic, and 8% Black. Regarding gender, women make up nearly 71% of the workforce, while men represent just over 28%.
Litigation against IBM
Bailey filed a similar complaint against IBM in 2024, accusing the tech company of violating laws by imposing hiring quotas based on race. That litigation is ongoing, according to Bailey’s office.
Bailey’s lawsuit against Starbucks includes multiple demands, including financial compensation, an acknowledgment from the company that its diversity programs are discriminatory, and a revision of its policies.
