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Social media backlash leads to Starbucks reversing ban on Black Lives Matter apparel

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June 12, 2020

After enduring a social media backlash Thursday, Starbucks has not only reversed its policy on banning employees from wearing apparel in support of Black Lives Matter but has designed employee shirts in support of the cause.

"We see you. We hear you. Black Lives Matter. That is a fact and will never change," Starbucks COO Roz Brewer wrote Friday in a memo to employees. "This movement is a catalyst for change, and right now, it's telling us a lot of things need to be addressed so we can make space to heal."

The chain also posted via Twitter about the policy reversal, saying that employees and customers sparked the change.

After learning Thursday that the coffee giant had banned employees from wearing clothing featuring BLM messaging, thousands took to Twitter using #Boycott Starbucks to express their anger over the memo that had reminded employees about its dress code policy, which included any type of political, religious or personal accessories or clothing. Many employees and customers, however, pointed out that Starbucks not only allows employees to wear clothing in support of  LGBTQ rights and marriage equality but it has handed them out in the past.

Customers found it especially offensive since Starbucks had been vocal in supporting Black Lives Matter via social media and in press releases.

 

In Friday's memo, Brewer told employees that Starbucks was designing new t-shirts to demonstrate its allyship.

"Until these arrive, we've heard you want to show your support, so just be you. Wear your BLM pin or t-shirt," she wrote. "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."

Many social users may not be quick to forgive the chain, however, saying that it was too late and that it had already shown its lack of care for black lives.

Others appreciated the reversal.

 

This isn't the first time Starbucks has made headlines over racial issues. A Philadelphia location made major waves two years ago on social media after a Twitter user live-tweeted and filmed two black men being handcuffed and escorted out of the store. These two men said they were simply waiting for a friend to arrive and had asked to use the bathroom while waiting. They were told, "No," and asked to leave by the store's manager. 

 

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