Starbucks Creates Black Lives Matter Apparel Following Policy Backlash

Starbucks has lifted its policy against employees wearing Black Lives Matter accessories after facing backlash.

The company came under fire by the public after affirming a policy that would not allow workers to wear Black Lives Matter apparel, insisting doing so would be in violation of its ban on wearing political, religious or personal clothing and accessories. However, as of Friday (June 12), Starbucks has reversed that regulation.

"Starbucks stands in solidarity with our Black partners, community and customers, and understand the desire to express themselves," the company said in a statement. "As our latest step towards this commitment, we are partnering with the Starbucks Black Partner Network and Black Starbucks leaders to make 250,000 shirts available to our company-operated partners in U.S. and Canada to affirm our support at this critical time in our history."

Doubling down on their effort to showing solidarity with the Black community, Starbucks also announced that Black Lives Matter shirts would soon become available to employees to wear on the clock, but that their personal BLM-related apparel will be temporarily allowed until the company’s shirts could be distributed.

"Until these arrive, we’ve heard you want to show your support, so just be you. Wear your BLM pin or T-shirt," the company announced on Twitter. "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."

The change comes amid the ongoing protests and civil unrest sparked by the fatal arrest of George Floyd, whose death sparked a global movement to bring an end to racial injustice and police reform.

The company also unveiled the graphic to appear on the new T-shirt, co-designed with Starbucks' Black Partner Network, which will be shipped to over 250,000 store partners. (See the design below.)

Photo: Getty Images