In a significant policy shift, Starbucks has declared that its employees are now permitted to don clothing and accessories that reflect support for the Black Lives Matter movement while on duty. This decision comes after the company faced substantial criticism for its earlier stance, which prohibited baristas from expressing solidarity with the movement, leading to calls for boycotts.
Initially, executives expressed concerns that allowing employees to wear BLM-related attire might provoke hostility from individuals who misunderstand the movement’s message. An internal memo, later disclosed to BuzzFeed News, noted fears that “agitators” might misinterpret the core principles of Black Lives Matter and use them to foster division.
The company announced its revised policy via a post on Instagram, stating, “In response to this historic time, our store partners can show support with their own t-shirts, pins, and name tags.” This update follows the chain’s previous expression of solidarity with the Black community on social media and its commitment to fostering racial equity and justice.
In light of recent events, including nationwide protests calling for justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black individuals who have suffered at the hands of law enforcement, Starbucks pledged $1 million to organizations advocating for racial equity. Furthermore, the company’s previous allowance for employees to show support for Pride Month and LGBTQ rights raised questions about its initial refusal to permit expressions of solidarity regarding racial inequality.
This is not the first instance of racial insensitivity associated with Starbucks. In 2018, an incident in Philadelphia involving the arrest of two Black men sparked outrage and led to a nationwide day of racial bias training across stores.
In a dramatic reversal from just days prior, Starbucks revealed plans to produce 250,000 shirts featuring the phrases “Black Lives Matter” and “No Justice, No Peace” for employees at company-owned locations in the U.S. and Canada. The initiative is set to roll out soon, and until the shirts arrive, employees are encouraged to wear pins or their own apparel displaying support.
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In summary, Starbucks’ decision to allow employees to wear Black Lives Matter attire marks a notable shift in policy, responding to public pressure and reinforcing its commitment to racial justice. This move aligns the company’s actions with its stated values, especially in light of ongoing social movements advocating for equality.