Missouri is taking Starbucks to court, alleging the coffeehouse chain is violating federal and state laws prohibiting race discrimination.
Attorney General Andrew Bailey accuses Starbucks of using race-and-sex-based hiring practices, segregating employees, and providing exclusive training and employment benefits to select groups. In Bailey’s lawsuit, he alleges with Starbucks’ policies and hiring patterns, Missouri customers are paying higher prices and waiting longer for these goods and services.
During a state House Budget Committee hearing Wednesday, Rep. Raychel Proudie, D-Ferguson, took a jab at Bailey.
“I’m curious if white-served coffee tastes a little bit better, because if it does, I’m happy to have some,” said Proudie.
Rep. Betsy Fogle, D-Springfield, questioned Bailey about his lawsuit.
“Is it your belief that because the employee demographics at Starbucks has changed, that that has created a negative repercussion for white males,” asked Fogle.
“I believe that Starbucks has violated the Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) by making discriminatory employment practices, committing discriminatory employment practices,” said Bailey.
Fogle told Bailey that his lawsuit intrudes on a private business.
“Ideologically, we have places in state government and in state statute that require quotas based on sex. Why aren’t you also advocating for changes in state statute,” asked Fogle.
“At the end of the day, enforcement authority in the MHRA is limited to specific employment actions, and we would have to contextualize how these other statutes with the MHRA and did one repeal or amend by implication the other,” said Bailey.
Missourinet contacted Starbucks for a response to the lawsuit. A spokesperson provided this statement:
“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 lawsuit has been filed in Missouri’s eastern district in St. Louis.
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