Florida AG Sues Starbucks Over Alleged Racial Discrimination

Florida Attorney General James Usmayer announced on Wednesday that his office is set to sue Starbucks for purported racial discrimination and improper hiring quotas.

In a statement, Usmayer said, “I am announcing that my office is suing Starbucks for using its DEI policies to cross the line into illegal race-based quotas.” The lawsuit claims Starbucks’ “diversity goals” from 2020 stated that by 2025, 40% of retail and distribution center positions and 30% of corporate jobs would be filled by individuals of color.

The complaint further alleges that Starbucks pays higher wages to employees from certain advantaged races compared to those from disadvantaged races who possess the same experience and skills. It also claims that as of March 2024, the company was conditioning executive bonuses on achieving specific diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.

For instance, executive bonuses for 2024 were allegedly linked to mentoring BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) mentees, having monthly group meetings, individual mentoring sessions, and hiring BIPOC employees. To secure at least half of the available bonuses, executives reportedly needed to maintain a BIPOC retention rate of 87% or higher.

The lawsuit states that Florida residents who applied or currently worked at Starbucks indicated to the Attorney General’s Office that they had felt excluded or humiliated due to their race being white.

It also accuses Starbucks of engaging in systemic discrimination against “non-diverse” workers. Usmayer emphasized, “Starbucks has made DEI more than a slogan. They turned it into a forced hiring and promotion system based on race.” He believes this practice constitutes discrimination, contrary to Florida law.

He added, “DEI is never an excuse to violate someone’s civil rights. Every worker in our state has the right to be hired based on ability, qualifications, and character, not the color of their skin.” The lawsuit is seeking $10,000 in damages for each instance of racial discrimination against Florida residents, with potential total damages running into the tens of millions of dollars.

Starbucks, which operates over 900 stores in Florida, responded by stating, “We disagree. We are deeply committed to creating opportunities for each of our partners. Our hiring practices are inclusive, fair, and competitive, designed to ensure we have the best candidates for every job.”