In a bold move, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has filed a lawsuit against Starbucks, accusing the coffee giant of implementing race-based hiring practices and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that discriminate against white employees. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, alleges that Starbucks is violating the Missouri Human Rights Act by giving preference to people of color in hiring and promotion decisions.

The controversial lawsuit comes amidst a nationwide debate over affirmative action and diversity initiatives in the workplace. Starbucks has defended its policies as efforts to promote diversity and combat systemic racism, but Schmitt argues that these practices are unconstitutional and discriminatory.

According to court documents, the lawsuit also accuses Starbucks of making hiring orders that are slower and more expensive due to its DEI initiatives. The coffee chain has yet to respond to the lawsuit, but it is likely to face significant backlash from both supporters and critics of affirmative action in the coming weeks.

As this legal battle unfolds, it raises important questions about the balance between diversity and equality in the workplace, and the role of government in regulating corporate hiring practices.