Message to Starbucks partners about our commitment to equity and opportunity

June 30, 2023 • 1 min read

Regardless of this week’s Supreme Court decisions, I want you to know that our commitment to building an inclusive and diverse Starbucks remains stronger than ever. Real inclusion requires intent and diversity creates stronger communities. As such, we will continue to pursue programs and policies to foster inclusion for our partners, customers and communities, and support efforts that help remove barriers to opportunity so you can thrive, regardless of where you grew up, who you love, or your race, ethnicity, disability or economic background.   

Here are three things to know: 

  • We remain committed to being a safe and welcoming place for our LGBTQIA2+ partners and customers. As we shared last week, we must ALL have the same vision for how all people should be treated – with respect, support and allyship, because belonging is a core value. 
  • We remain committed to helping make higher education more accessible for our partners. Last year, we were proud to join other businesses and organizations to file an amicus brief to the Supreme Court supporting universities’ ability to consider race in admissions to promote student body diversity, because we believe that promoting diversity within education can not only help individuals reach their full potential but makes our companies and communities better. We’re proud to work with organizations like ASU who share in our commitment.  
  • Today’s ruling against the Biden Administration‘s debt-relief program will create more uncertainty for the many Americans navigating student debt. If you need help, I encourage you to look into the benefits we offer partners and their families like Tuition.io to talk to a student loan counselor, SCAP, and My Starbucks Savings, as we continue to explore additional student debt relief benefits for our partners.

Together, our work continues. This is our partner promise – to build a bridge to a better future.  

Sara Kelly, executive vice president and chief partner officer

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Starbucks legacy of LGBTQIA2+ support dates back to the company’s earliest days, including inclusive health coverage, partner-inspired community investments, advocating for civil rights, proudly displaying the Pride flag in our stores — and new commitments announced Monday.