A federal judge in Missouri dismissed a lawsuit from the Republican-led state accusing Starbucks of using diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as a cover for discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation. U.S. District Judge John Ross stated that the state failed to demonstrate any discrimination against “even a single Missouri resident” associated with Starbucks. The lawsuit, initiated by former Attorney General Andrew Bailey, alleged that Starbucks unlawfully linked executive compensation to achieving racial and gender hiring quotas. The case sought to compel Starbucks to cease alleged discriminatory practices and pay damages.