Did a Starbucks Employee Miss a Promotion Because They Are Gay?
A New York City Starbucks employee has hit one of the coffee company's outlets with a lawsuit. According to a press release announcing the details of the case, Jahmelia "Jay" Peters believes she was passed up for a promotion because of her sexuality, gender identity and gender expression.
Peters further detailed that her manager at the store in White Plains, Westchester County, told her colleagues that she would not be promoted because she is gay and "looks like a boy."
What's more is Peters said she was then fired for questioning the manager's decision and she has not received her final pay.
Instead of Peters receiving a promotion, she claims that another lesser qualified female candidate received the promotion instead because the manager had an in interest in her.
Peters' representation added that the manager even shared "intimate flirtatious text messages" with other female employees.
"This is a human rights issue," stated Bennitta Joseph, a partner at Joseph & Norinsberg. "Ms. Peters was denied the civil right to fair treatment in the workplace based on her gender expression, identity and sexual orientation."
Peters wants compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress, including back pay, and is seeking punitive damages for Starbucks' conduct.
It appears that Starbucks location has a very venti problem on their hands.