The state of Missouri has sued Starbucks, claiming its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies have led to customers paying more and waiting longer for their coffees.
"Starbucks has decided to require outright race and sex-based discrimination in hiring via quotas, segregate employees on unlawful bases, and single out preferred groups for additional training and employment benefits," the lawsuit read.
Missouri added that Starbucks' alleged behaviour "should come as no surprise," pointing to new chief executive Brian Niccol's support of environmental, social and governance goals while leading Chipotle.
The move from Republican attorney general Andrew Bailey marks the latest efforts in the US to push back DEI policies, led by Donald Trump's new administration.
In the complaint, filed in St Louis federal court, Missouri also claimed executive pay was tied to the company achieving race and gender-based hiring quotas.
.jpeg)
