You’d think Starbucks woulda been passin’ out BLM gear to their employees as they clocked in!
But, Starbucks is probably tired of having their coffee shops looted and burned!
Coffee giant Starbucks will not let its employees wear items of clothing or accessories that support the Black Lives Matter movement, according to an internal bulletin obtained by BuzzFeed News.
Starbucks prohibits employees from wearing any shirts, pins or other accessories that advocate a”political, religious, or personal issue,” and the company classifies Black Lives Matter attire as attire that would violate the company policy. The internal memo quotes the company’s VP of Diversity and Inclusion Zing Shaw, who states that there are “agitators who misconstrue the fundamental principles of the Black Lives Matter movement — and in some circumstances, intentionally re-purpose them to amplify divisiveness.”
Despite the company’s on-the-books policy against political attire, BuzzFeed News notes that the company not only allows employees to wear pins in support of LGBT rights during Pride Month, but also hands them out.
In addition, Starbucks’ official Twitter account sent messages in support of the Black Lives Matter movement last week, stating it is “committed to being a part of change.”
Starbucks did not immediately respond to an SFGATE request for comment, but a company spokesperson told BuzzFeed News the dress code policy is needed “to create a safe and welcoming” environment for customers and staff.
“We respect all of our partners’ opinions and beliefs, and encourage them to bring their whole selves to work while adhering to our dress code policy.”
Starbucks Spokesman
Starbucks reportedly won’t let employees wear Black Lives Matter attire
Calamity Jane