plan of action - april 16, 2018

Starbucks Incident

A Philadelphia Starbucks employee recently called the police on two potential customers who sat down to wait for a friend before ordering anything. The employee treated the men like trespassers because they were not Caucasian, and the men ended up being arrested. They were released with no charges having been filed, as they had in fact been behaving completely peaceably and were the victims of racial discrimination. Starbucks is usually a decent company and has apologized for this incident; and of course they cannot monitor the behavior of all their employees in all their branches. However, it is well if they know they are being watched.

Action:

1. Call Starbucks to say you were shocked by the incident and that you hope the company follows up its apology with suitable action.  (800) 782-7282.

2. Contact the Philadelphia Police Commissioner to complain about the treatment of these two men.