For many people, diversity, equity and inclusion are all good things to have in a workplace – and in the larger society. For others, DEI programs are seen as a mandate to hire and promote people based on their identity rather than their qualifications.
Here in Florida, it’s a political issue that can leave employers at odds with state leaders. No less than coffee giant Starbucks has learned that.
The Florida AG’s complaint
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, with the support of Gov. Ron DeSantis, has filed a complaint against Starbucks with the Florida Commission on Human Relations. The complaint seeks a thorough investigation of the corporation’s hiring practices.
At the center of the complaint is Starbucks’ stated “annual inclusion and diversity goals of achieving BIPOC [Black, Indigenous and People of Color] representation of at least 30 percent at all corporate levels and at least 40 percent of all retail and manufacturing roles by 2025.”
Starbucks was tying part of its executives’ bonuses to this goal. However, investors voted against that part of their plan earlier this year.
Are these “racial quotas?”
The Florida Commission on Human Relations was formed to enforce the state’s Civil Rights Act and fight discrimination. The Attorney General has called Starbucks’ goals a way to institute “racial quotas” and a “violation of our own civil rights laws.”
So where does that leave other Florida businesses? It’s a complicated situation. No matter what the outcome of the investigation is, there’s no question that our state’s current leadership is keeping a close eye on DEI and anything they perceive to be DEI policies and programs. Having regular legal guidance can help prevent investigations and litigation in the future.