Business Ethics Presentation

1. Controversy Over Starbucks
Christmas Cups
Kade Brown

2. Overview
• Evangelist Josh Feuerstein made a video titled “Starbucks REMOVED
CHRISTMAS from their cups because they hate Jesus.”
• He calls for people to have their names written as “Merry Christmas” to
protest the changing of the cups as well as their policy not to say Merry
Christmas to greet customers
• Starbucks changed the design of their cup from the previous year to a red
only cup
• A group of conservative Christians claim Starbucks is discriminating against
them
2012 2014 2015

3. Facts
• Starbuck’s Christmas cups’ designs have been secular since the
beginning
• Starbuck’s has the right to design their cups however they want to
• In a press release Starbucks said, “Creating a culture of belonging,
inclusion and diversity is one of the core values of Starbucks, and
each year during the holidays the company aims to bring customers
an experience that inspires the spirit of the season.”
• Jeffrey Fields, Starbucks vice president of design and content, said “We
have anchored the design with the classic Starbucks holiday red that is
bright and exciting.”

4. Ethical Questions
• Should businesses be integrated with religion?
• Is it the duty of business to be aware and
conscious of their customer’s religious beliefs?
• Should their advertising and products reflect
their customer’s religious beliefs?
• If so, should Starbucks also issue a Hanukkah,
Kwanza, or Winter Solstice cups?
• Do you think there is anything wrong with
Starbucks cups all red design this year?

5. Sources
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-
mix/wp/2015/11/09/starbucks-removed-christmas-from-their-cups-
because-they-hate-jesus-christian-says-in-viral-facebook-video/