TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida is suing Starbucks, alleging the coffee giant has unlawfully enforced race-based hiring quotas in pursuit of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated in a post on X that Starbucks has taken its DEI policies too far, making them mandatory rather than optional.
“Every worker deserves to be hired based on their merit, qualifications, and character, not their race,” Uthmeier stated.
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According to Uthmeier, Starbucks established specific numerical targets related to the racial composition of its workforce and even linked those targets to executive bonuses. He characterized this practice as “brazen discrimination” and a violation of the law.
“If a corporation weaponizes DEI to impose illegal racial quotas, Florida will hold them accountable,” Uthmeier concluded.
A Starbucks spokesperson reached out to CBS12 News and stated that they disagree with Uthemeier’s statement, saying, “We disagree. 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. Our hiring practices are inclusive, fair and competitive, and designed to ensure the strongest candidate for every job, every time.”
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