Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has initiated legal action against Starbucks, accusing the company of violating federal and state anti-discrimination laws. The lawsuit alleges that Starbucks engages in race-and-sex-based hiring practices, segregates employees unlawfully, and provides selective training and employment benefits.
"As Attorney General, I have a responsibility to protect Missourians from a company that actively engages in systemic race and sex discrimination," stated Bailey. "Racism has no place in Missouri. We’re filing suit to halt this blatant violation of the Missouri Human Rights Act in its tracks."
The lawsuit comes two years after the Supreme Court's decision that federal law prohibits race-based discrimination not only in college admissions but also in employment decisions. According to Bailey, Starbucks has violated these laws by tying compensation to racial and gender quotas and discriminating based on race and gender for board membership.
Bailey claims that "With Starbucks’ discriminatory patterns, practices, and policies, Missouri’s consumers are required to pay higher prices and wait longer for goods and services that could be provided for less had Starbucks employed the most qualified workers, regardless of their race, color, sex, or national origin."
This is not Bailey's first attempt to hold corporations accountable for alleged discriminatory practices. In June 2024, he filed a lawsuit against International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) for similar violations under the Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA). The IBM case is still ongoing.
In his current lawsuit against Starbucks, Bailey seeks an order requiring the company to stop its alleged discriminatory actions immediately.
The full lawsuit is available for public viewing.