Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson responded to public outcry over the arrest of two black men from a Philadelphia branch of the coffee shop, calling the incident "reprehensible." (File Photo)
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How major companies handle and botch public relations crises
Over the past several days, two major American companies found themselves facing public relations disasters. A fatal engine failure aboard a Southwest flight left the airline scrambling to ensure passengers that its planes are safe. And Starbucks was in the spotlight after two black men were arrested while waiting for a friend.
Starbucks to Close All Stores Nationwide for Racial-Bias Education on May 29
Training will occur at all Starbucks company-owned stores and will apply to nearly 175,000 U.S. partners (employees)
Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced it will be closing its more than 8,000 company-owned stores in the United States on the afternoon of May 29 to conduct racial-bias education geared toward preventing discrimination in our stores. The training will be provided to nearly 175,000 partners (employees) across the country and will become part of the onboarding process for new partners.
Starbucks CEO meets with two black men arrested at Philadelphia store
Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson has met with the two black men arrested last week at a Philadelphia Starbucks. Johnson apologized for the way they were treated, according to a company spokesperson who declined to disclose details of the meeting.
