Starbucks outlines steps being taken to address racial inequity

June 11, 2020, Toronto, Ont. – Starbucks Canada has released a statement in light of the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and other racial injustices that have shaken the U.S., Canada, and the entire world.

“As we all deal with our personal feelings and experiences through this, there are important questions in front of us,” the company writes. “How can we help each other heal, and how can we contribute to society in a positive and constructive way on the topic of racism and injustice?”

While the company says it may not have all the answers, the statement outlines what Starbucks Canada is doing to contribute, such as:

• Open Dialogue: The path forward requires open and honest courageous conversations about racial injustices. We are actively hosting open and important conversations with our partners (employees) about the racism the Black community faces. Our work does not end here.
• To Be Welcoming Course: We have designed anti-bias resources and training in partnership with Arizona State University that are available for everyone. Our To Be Welcoming course focuses on addressing bias through understanding the human experience. This foundational course reinforces the importance of learning, reading, informing, journaling and remaining fact-based when engaging in conversations on racism. It also includes relevant links to wellness resources to self-care.
• Third Place Curriculum: On May 29, 2018, Starbucks stores in Canada and the U.S. closed for four hours so partners could come together for a conversation and learning session on race, bias, and creating an environment that is welcoming to all. The curriculum examined personal biases and educated partners on the experience of racism. This course is another resource for our partners and communities to build empathy and keep an open dialogue.
• Supporting our Black Partner Network (BPN): We stand as allies with our Black Partner Network. We will continue to support and connect with them to further conversations and ideas on how we can continue to show up for our Black partners, customers, and communities. Together, we will champion necessary changes for a more inclusive and just world.
• Donation and Community Service: We have committed to donating $100,000 and will activate community service to promote racial equity and create more inclusive and just communities in Canada. We are working with our social impact team and our Black Partner Network to identify the right partners and programming.

The company states that it is committed to taking action, learning, and supporting its Black partners, customers, and communities and will continue to work to confront racial bias and racism.