If you're addicted to Starbucks, you're gonna have to make alternate coffee plans on Tuesday afternoon, May 29.
Starbucks has announced that, in the wake of negative publicity it's received after two black men were arrested at one of their Philadelphia locations, the company will hold a mandatory employee training on the subject of racial-bias on Tuesday, May 29. All of its more than 8,000 company-owned stores in the United States will be closed on the afternoon of May 29 so nearly 175,000 employees can receive the training.
According to a Starbucks press release, "partners (employees) will go through a training program designed to address implicit bias, promote conscious inclusion, prevent discrimination and ensure everyone inside a Starbucks store feels safe and welcome."
Starbucks is seeking the assistance and input of multiple national experts in developing the training program curriculum that will be used and then evaluating its effectiveness after changes have been implemented. The company plans to use the training materials when hiring future employees as well.
“The company’s founding values are based on humanity and inclusion,” Howard Schultz, Starbucks' executive chairman said. “We will learn from our mistakes and reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for every customer.”
The two African American men were arrested last Thursday for trespassing after a Starbucks manager asked them to either make a purchase or leave the premises, though they had said they were waiting for a friend. The men were later released without charges. The situation gained national attention because it was believed that the female manager, who is white, was racially profiling the two men by calling the police.
The manager no longer works for Starbucks, Schultz said.
What do you think? Do you believe the manager unfairly profiled the two men using unconscious racial bias? We want to hear your opinions in the comments below!