Starbucks sued by US state of Missouri for using DEI policies
Al JazeeraFEB 4
Missouri Sues Starbucks Over DEI Policies, Claims Discrimination
Above: A sign displays early closing hours for diversity training at a Starbucks in Philadelphia, PA, on May 29, 2018. Image copyright: Michelle Gustafson/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
DEI policies amount to unlawful discrimination. Creating a quota system favoring certain groups over others violates civil rights laws and leads to decreased service quality and higher costs for consumers. These practices harm qualified workers who are excluded owing to their race or gender.
Democratic narrative
The lawsuit represents a politically motivated attack on legitimate efforts to create equal opportunities and address historical workplace disparities. Starbucks' programs are lawful, inclusive, and designed to ensure fair competition while building a diverse workforce that better serves all communities.