In a poignant and deeply personal plea, PETA is urging Starbucks to eliminate the extra charge for vegan milks, emphasizing the need for new CEO Brian Niccol to embrace this change.
This call to action comes through an open letter published in The Seattle Times from Shannon Blair, a mother whose life has been profoundly affected by her son’s recent ordeal. Her heartfelt message is a moving testament to the urgency of compassionate change.
Shannon Blair’s son, Evan, a 13-year-old who was peacefully protesting at a Starbucks in Florida, faced wrongful arrest in March. The protest, which was intended to highlight the plight of animals in the dairy industry, ended in a disturbing clash with authorities.
Evan’s arrest was a jarring reminder of the often-overlooked intersection between animal rights and broader social justice issues. His mother’s plea to Starbucks is not just about her son but also a broader call for empathy towards animals.
The Dairy Industry’s Harrowing Reality
To understand the depth of Shannon’s plea, it is essential to grasp the harrowing reality of the dairy industry. Behind the seemingly benign act of consuming dairy products lies a system characterized by significant animal suffering and environmental degradation.
Dairy cows are subjected to relentless cycles of pregnancy and lactation, enduring physical and emotional distress in confined, unsanitary conditions. Their lives are marked by deprivation and discomfort, all for the sake of profit.
The environmental impact of dairy farming adds another layer of urgency. The industry contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution, further compounding the ethical considerations surrounding dairy consumption. This context underscores the importance of transitioning to more humane and sustainable alternatives, like plant-based milks.
Shannon Blair’s Heartfelt Letter to Brian Niccol
Dear Mr. Niccol:
I’m writing to you as the mother of a 13-year-old child who was arrested earlier this year inside a Starbucks store while peacefully protesting against the company’s upcharge on plant-based milks. There is nothing you can do about your predecessor’s harsh policy that allowed management to call the police to evict nonviolent pleaders or about my son’s traumatic experience, but as you step into your new role, I ask on behalf of my son and everyone else who wants to choose plant-based milks for ethical, environmental, health, or religious reasons that you please end the vegan upcharge as one of your first actions.
My son was exercising his First Amendment rights at Starbucks, protesting peacefully for all the sons who are taken away from their loving mothers so that the milk meant to nourish their bodies can be sold. Watching as my son was handcuffed, torn away from me, and hauled off also gave me a glimpse into the horrors of the dairy industry. Just as humans do, cows form strong maternal bonds with their bables, and they’re devastated when their calves are taken away from them. The helplessness I felt was minuscule compared to theirs, but it offered a glimpse of the suffering that these mother cows feel year after year-an acute pain that no parent should ever experience.
Cows feel love, joy, pain, and fear just like the rest of us. Charging extra for vegan milks punishes people who want to make a kinder choice by leaving cows in peace. Please, use your power to make a positive change by ending this upcharge.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Shannon Blair
A Call for Compassion and Change
Shannon Blair’s heartfelt letter to Starbucks’ new CEO is more than a plea for a policy shift—it is a call for empathy and justice. By removing the upcharge for vegan milks, Starbucks can make a powerful statement in support of both animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
In responding to Shannon’s appeal, Starbucks has the chance to champion a future where the well-being of animals and the environment is prioritized. This simple yet profound change could resonate deeply with customers and set a precedent for others to follow, paving the way for a more compassionate and responsible world.
For more information, visit PETA.org.
