JTA: Starbucks denies speculation that it ‘demoted’ ADL in its anti-bias training

Starbucks denied that it demoted the Anti-Defamation League from a lead role in its anti-bias training, saying it continues to view the Jewish group as a valuable partner in future training.

Reggie Borges, a spokesman for the coffee giant, spoke to JTA on Wednesday following speculation that left-wing criticism of the ADL’s role in the anti-bias training had led Starbucks to reduce its role.

“I can’t emphasize enough that they were not demoted,” Borges said. “The ADL remains a key component of our plans. Any implication they’ve been demoted just isn’t true in any way, shape or form.”