\nSEATTLE – Starbucks has banned employees from wearing
\nany clothes or accessories that supports Black Lives Matter movement
\nas it violates its dress code policy, BuzzFeed News reported citing
\nan internal memo.<\/p>\n
According to the coffee giant, which has already expressed its
\nsupport to the movement, employees are not permitted to wear
\nT-Shirts, buttons or pins that “advocate a political, religious or
\npersonal issue”.<\/p>\n
Starbucks VP of Inclusion and Diversity, Zing Shaw, indicated that
\nwearing clothing and accessories highlighting Black Lives Matters
\ncould be misunderstood. According to her, there are agitators who
\nmisconstrue the fundamental principles of the movement, and in
\ncertain circumstances could intentionally re-purpose them to amplify
\ndivisiveness.\n<\/p>\n
As per the internal memo, Starbucks store managers had contacted the
\nmanagement on behalf of employees with the request to wear pins or T-
\nshirts in support of the movement.<\/p>\n
Instead, Starbucks said its partners can show support to black
\npartners by wearing Black Partner Network’s “keep It Brewing”
\nT-shirt.\n<\/p>\n
A Starbucks spokesperson reportedly said the dress code policy would
\nremain in place as it was necessary to create a safe and welcoming
\nenvironment for customers and staff.\n<\/p>\n
Following the widespread protests related to the killing of George
\nFloyd, the company on June 1 tweeted that it stands in solidarity
\nwith Black partners, customers and communities. It also tweeted
\nlater, “Black lives matter. We are committed to being a part of
\nchange.”\n<\/p>\n
Many corporate majors across the United States have expressed
\nsolidarity to the movement and announced millions in donations to
\nsupport the campaign #BlackLivesMatter. Apple Chief Executive Officer
\nTim Cook has committed $100 million for a new racial justice and
\nequality initiative, while PayPal has committed the highest amount
\nof$530 million to support black and minority-owned businesses and
\ncommunities.(AFP)<\/p>\n
Photos: FashionUnited<\/p>\n<\/p>\n