Starbucks wins dismissal of Missouri lawsuit over DEI policies

Core Viewpoint - A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit from Missouri alleging that Starbucks used diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as a cover for discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation, stating that the case did not prove any discrimination against Missouri residents [1][6]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit claimed that Starbucks unlawfully linked executive compensation to achieving racial and gender hiring quotas [2]. - It accused Starbucks of favoring certain groups for additional training and job advancement, and of implementing a quota system for board diversity [3]. - The lawsuit sought to compel Starbucks to cease alleged discriminatory practices, rehire affected employees, and pay unspecified damages [6]. Group 2: Context and Background - The lawsuit was filed in the wake of Starbucks' policy changes following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, which prompted many companies to reassess their employment practices [5]. - Starbucks employs over 200,000 people in the U.S. and 360,000 globally [5]. - Previous legal challenges to Starbucks' diversity policies have also been dismissed, indicating a trend of courts refraining from intervening in such public policy matters [6].