All 8,000 U.S. Starbucks to close for Racial-Bias training on May 29

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Diane Lilli
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After a manager at a Starbucks in Philadelphia called police to kick out 2 men, who were black, from their cafe, a social media furor lead to numerous protests and press. A video shot showed the men, who had not purchased anything, being kicked out by police, who actually handcuffed both men as a 3rd person protested.

With a viral hashtag #BoycottStarbucks spreading internationally, the Chief Executive Kevin Johnson stepped in to apologize and announce a special training session in 8,000 Starbucks on May 29.

Calling it a terrible, “reprehensible” action, Johnson vowed to make changes to prevent this from ever happening again.

The bold decision to shut down all U.S. Starbucks on May 29 so employees can get racial-bias training is sending a message to protesters and non-plussed fans alike: Starbucks is determined to be a coffee for everyone.

The NAACP, The Anti-Defamation League and the U.S. attorney general’s office will all offer assistance to the chain. The manager in question who called police to remove the 2 men from the Philadelphia Starbucks is no longer employed there.

On May 29, if you are looking for your flat white - you are out of luck - but that is something to celebrate, as Starbucks takes the time to teach employees how racial bias can seep into the most ordinary places, including your coffee cup.

Updates to follow.