Starbucks Agrees To Settle Lawsuit Over Alleged Illegal Diversity Policies

 

Starbucks has agreed to settle a discrimination lawsuit brought by the state of Florida, pledging not to adopt race- or sex-based quotas or preferences in hiring, promotion and pay decisions.

 

Starbucks and Florida Republican Attorney General James Uthmeier jointly announced the settlement on Thursday of a lawsuit filed by the state last December.

 

Florida accused the company of violating state anti-discrimination law, including by setting racial quotas and linking executive compensation to the achievement of diversity goals.

 

Starbucks denied wrongdoing and said in a statement that it would focus “on offering great jobs and career opportunities to our partners who wear the green apron”.

 

Under the settlement, Starbucks agreed to comply with Florida law and pay $1 million to the Florida Department of Legal Affairs to cover litigation costs. The company must also submit annual certifications of compliance for four years.

 

In addition, Starbucks agreed not to participate in organisations that require companies to increase the racial diversity of their boards of directors.

 

A spokesperson for Uthmeier’s office said the agreement applies nationwide. He said the settlement ensures that Starbucks’ employment policies and practices comply with Florida’s anti-discrimination laws. “DEI can never be an excuse to violate civil rights,” he said.

 

The case is part of broader efforts by Republican officials, including members of President Donald Trump’s administration, to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programmes from the private sector, government and education.

 

In February, a federal judge dismissed a similar lawsuit filed by the Missouri Attorney General’s office targeting Starbucks’ alleged diversity policies. The state is appealing the decision.