Starbucks employees allowed to display Black Lives Matter merchandise

Josh Peter
USA TODAYPublished 2:47 PM EDT Jun 12, 2020Starbucks is allowing its baristas and other employees to wear Black Lives Matter t-shirts and pins, the company said Friday, reversing its policy on the matter.“Wear your BLM pin or t-shirt,’’ the Starbucks memo states. “We are so proud of your passionate support of our common humanity.”Previously, Starbucks stated that wearing Black Lives Matter clothing and accessories did not “currently adhere to policy,’’ according to a copy of a memo obtained by BuzzFeed. The memo noted that Starbucks’ vice president of Inclusion and Diversity explained the company’s stance by saying, “there are agitators who misconstrue the fundamental principles of the Black Lives Matter movement – and in certain circumstances intentionally repurpose them to amplify divisiveness.’’But Starbucks on Friday shifted its position while also stating it is designing new T-shirts with the graphic that incorporates Black Lives Matter to “demonstrate our allyship and show we stand together in unity,” according to the new memo.“Until these arrive, we’ve heard you want to show your support, so just be you,’’ the memo stated, referring to the T-shirts. “Wear your BLM pin or T-shirt. We are so proud of your passionate support of our common humanity. We trust you to do what’s right while never forgetting Starbucks is a welcoming third place where all are treated with dignity and respect.’’The issue of race has been sensitive for Starbucks, which in 2018 closed more than 8,000 stores and held training sessions to discuss racial bias following the arrest of two African American men at a Philadelphia Starbucks.


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