MIAMI.- Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody sent a formal letter to the Florida Human Relations Commission (FHRC) to request an investigation into alleged diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices implemented by Starbucks in the state.
In the letter, Moody expresses concern about the potential discriminatory effects of the international coffee company’s DEI policies, arguing that they could violate Florida’s anti-discrimination laws.
According to the attorney general, “many of these DEI policies that have been promoted in American companies and that were intended to address and prevent discrimination are now promoting policies, programs and initiatives that may actually be illegal employment practices and, in fact, become discriminatory in themselves.
Moody accused the company of having policies that “appear to discriminate on the basis of race.”
“Complete investigation”
Moody’s letter urges the FHRC to launch a full and thorough investigation into those allegations, including a review of the company’s programs, policies and practices.
The FHRC aims to enforce the Florida Civil Rights Law and address discrimination issues in a variety of areas, not just the workplace.
Attorney General Moody highlighted a public commitment by Starbucks to achieving BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) representation at a minimum of 30% at all corporate levels, and 40% in retail and manufacturing roles, for the year 2025.
Additionally, it was mentioned that Starbucks executive bonuses are tied to achieving these diversity and inclusion goals.
Starbucks has not yet commented on Attorney General Moody’s allegations.
The company has defended its DEI programs in the past, arguing that they are designed to promote inclusion and equality in the workplace.
However, allegations of discrimination and concerns from Attorney General Moody have put Starbucks at the center of a controversy over DEI practices in the state of Florida.
