In light of a troubling incident that captured public attention, Starbucks has revised its bathroom policy. Following the arrest of two Black men, Marcus Taylor and James Lee, at a Philadelphia location, the coffee chain has decided to eliminate the requirement for customers to make a purchase before using the restroom.
“We don’t want to become a public restroom, but we are committed to making the right choices every time and ensuring access for everyone,” stated Starbucks Executive Chairman Howard Schultz during a discussion at the Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C. Schultz emphasized the importance of ensuring that no one feels marginalized at Starbucks, saying, “We want you to feel valued.”
The backlash against Starbucks intensified after Taylor and Lee were detained when one of them requested to use the bathroom before they made a purchase. They were waiting for a colleague to arrive when a store employee denied them access to the restroom. In an unfortunate turn of events, the employee contacted law enforcement when the men did not leave promptly. This incident, which was recorded and shared widely on social media, sparked protests and calls for the company to address racial profiling among its staff.
Previously, the company allowed store managers to decide who could use the restroom without making a purchase. By abolishing this policy, Starbucks aims to mend its relationship with customers. Schultz acknowledged the company’s failure, stating, “We were absolutely wrong. The policy and the actions taken were inexcusable, and we take full responsibility.”
In addition to the policy change, Starbucks plans to close over 8,000 locations across the U.S. on May 29 to conduct racial bias training. Sherrilyn Ifill, the president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, is assisting in the development of this training program. “Addressing racism requires long-term commitment. It’s not just about training; it’s about ensuring that we monitor its effectiveness,” Ifill remarked.
While the effectiveness of these initiatives remains to be seen, Schultz maintains that the May 29 event marks the beginning of a significant transformation in Starbucks’ approach to training and inclusivity.
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In summary, Starbucks has taken a significant step toward inclusivity by changing its bathroom policy and committing to racial bias training for its employees, aiming to foster a more welcoming environment for all customers.