In a bold move to confront racial bias, Starbucks has announced it will temporarily close approximately 8,000 of its stores for one day. This initiative follows an incident in Philadelphia where a manager called the police to report two Black men who were simply waiting for a friend. The swift backlash prompted Starbucks to take immediate action, implementing a nationwide training program focused on racial bias for its employees.
According to a post on their Facebook page, May 29th will see thousands of Starbucks locations closed as staff participate in training aimed at addressing implicit bias, fostering conscious inclusion, and preventing discrimination. The company’s statement emphasized its commitment to creating an environment where all customers feel safe and welcomed.
Starbucks has collaborated with various experts to design the training curriculum, which aims to impact nearly 175,000 employees across the country. This training will also become a fundamental part of the onboarding process for new hires. In their announcement, the company expressed remorse for the incident in Philadelphia, acknowledging that racial bias is a significant issue that requires attention and action.
However, not everyone is supportive of Starbucks’ decision. Some customers have voiced their displeasure, arguing that closing stores deprives them of their favorite beverages. Yet, Starbucks has maintained a composed stance, articulating the necessity of their actions in the face of criticism. The company is taking steps to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again.
Kevin Thompson, Starbucks’ CEO, stated, “I’ve spent time in Philadelphia with my leadership team, listening to the community and understanding our missteps.” He emphasized the importance of being part of the solution, stating that the store closures for racial bias training are just one part of a broader commitment to change.
Thompson also personally apologized to the two men who were arrested, acknowledging the wrongful treatment they experienced. This initiative reflects Starbucks’ dedication to addressing social injustices and promoting a more inclusive atmosphere in its locations.
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In summary, Starbucks’ decision to close stores for a day to address racial bias reflects a commitment to change and inclusivity. The training initiative aims to educate employees and foster a welcoming environment for all customers, despite mixed reactions from the public.
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