People are boycotting Starbucks, and here’s why

Alim Kheraj
Updated
People are boycotting Starbucks, and here’s why
People are boycotting Starbucks, and here’s why

In the face of the resistance to the Executive Order by President Trump to ban Muslim refugees from entering America, supporters of Trump are boycotting Starbucks. The reason? Because Starbucks announced that across the space of five years it would be hire 10,000 refugees.

In an open letter, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz announced four specific actions to combat Trump’s order, which some are calling unconstitutional. In the letter, Schultz outlined that Starbucks planned to support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), invest in the Mexican market, and solidified their plans to continue to offer staff health insurance.

However, it was Schultz’s commitment to refugees that made headlines.

“We have a long history of hiring young people looking for opportunities and a pathway to a new life around the world. This is why we are doubling down on this commitment by working with our equity market employees as well as joint venture and licensed market partners in a concerted effort to welcome and seek opportunities for those fleeing war, violence, persecution and discrimination,” he wrote.

In the letter, Schultz said that the company planned to “hire 10,000 [refugees] over five years in the 75 countries around the world where Starbucks does business.” He also noted that those efforts would begin in the United States, especially focused on people who served alongside the U.S. military as interpreters or support workers when the country has asked for their support.

Despite this, however, fans of President Trump’s “Muslim ban” have taken to social media to #BoycottStarbucks.

Conservatives took to Twitter to lament Schultz’s letter, incorrectly assuming that the CEO’s efforts were focused solely on the United States.

Some people took ire to what looked like Starbuck’s brazen opposition to President Trump’s orders.

Despite the backlash, however, many people pointed out that Starbucks’ move to hire 10,000 refugees was actually a global initiative.

Indeed, many came out to support the coffee chain and its decision.

People also noted all the good things that Starbucks is involved in, too, starting the hashtag #DrinkStarbucksToFightBigotry.

It’s encouraging to see a company as ubiquitous as Starbucks making decisions that can help those in the world who most need it. And while it might seem that the next four years might be a bit overwhelming, there are many things that people can do to keep on fighting against injustice and bigotry.