Corporations routinely use their platforms to voice support for humanitarian causes and human rights. Some of the most fundamental are the rights to free speech and religion, which are recognized by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and the UN Declaration of Human Rights.(1) Unfortunately, many companies are supporting organizations that are undermining these freedoms. Many companies, including John Deere, Jack Daniels, Harley Davidson, Lowes, Home Depot, Ford, and Coors, have already taken affirmative steps to refocus their charitable giving to serve their diverse customers.(7) Many have also explicitly cut ties with the Human Rights Campaign as a part of this effort.

But Starbucks is a Bronze-level National Corporate sponsor for the HRC.(8) As per Starbucks’ Supplier Code(9) of Conduct, “Starbucks does business with suppliers from many countries of diverse cultural, social, and economic circumstances. We strive to work with suppliers that are committed to our universal principles of operating their business in a responsible and ethical manner, and respecting the rights of individuals.”

Starbucks needs to assure its shareholders that it is following through on these promises of equality for employees of diverse backgrounds, including diversity of political beliefs and religious practice, and that it is promoting fundamental freedoms that benefit every American.

The 2024 edition of the Viewpoint Diversity Score Business found that 62% of some of the largest companies in America support non-profits that are influencing public policy by actively attacking free speech and religious freedom.

Groups like the Human Rights Campaign have led coalitions calling on major social media platforms to censor “hate speech and harassment” that includes many mainstream views on parental rights and human sexuality.(2) The HRC in particular has advocated for legislation like the Equality Act, which would pose serious threats to religious freedom, free speech, and the progress women have made toward equality in law and culture.(3) And its Corporate Equality Index requires companies to provide “puberty blockers for youth” in their healthcare plans(4) even though nearly 70% of Americans oppose the practice and has induced corporations like Anheuser-Busch(5) and Target(6) into marketing decisions that have severely and permanently harmed their brand value.