Missouri AG Sues Starbucks Over Hiring Discrimination

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has filed a lawsuit against Starbucks, accusing the company of unlawful race- and sex-based discrimination through its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The lawsuit alleges that Starbucks ties executive pay to achieving racial and gender-based hiring quotas, which Bailey claims violate federal and state anti-discrimination laws. Starbucks has responded, stating that its hiring practices are inclusive and lawful, aimed at creating opportunities for all employees. This legal action follows a broader national pushback against DEI initiatives, with some companies like Google and Goldman Sachs scaling back similar policies. The lawsuit also draws on a Supreme Court ruling against race-based discrimination in college admissions to support its claims. Bailey argues that these policies result in higher prices and longer wait times for customers due to not hiring the most qualified candidates, regardless of race or gender.