She filed a lawsuit in 2019, alleging that her race played a significant role in her termination.
Starbucks Racial Discrimination Lawsuit
Following a six-day trial, the New Jersey jury ruled in favor of Shannon Phillips, holding Starbucks accountable for wrongful termination based on racial discrimination. The jury’s decision to award $25.6 million in damages, included punitive damages.
Court documents reveal Starbucks’ claimed that Phillips appeared overwhelmed and lacked awareness of the gravity of the Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson arrests.
Phillips claims she “actively worked” on “crisis management” efforts. And “took steps to ensure that the retail locations within her area were a safe and welcoming environment for all customers, regardless of race,” according to her 2019 civil complaint.
During the trial, key testimony came from a Black district manager at Starbucks, who testified that he believed Phillips’ race played a role in her termination. At the time she was terminated, Phillips was the Regional manager and his boss.
