Starbucks is widely known for its delicious beverages and treats, while McDonald’s is recognized for their affordability and convenient widespread selection. With the constant rise of big corporate companies, it is easy for individuals to indulge themselves in their various food and beverage items. Recently, however, these corporate entities have been rightfully criticized for their aid and support of the ongoing genocide in Palestine.
In a bold and unprecedented move, students from the University of Houston’s (UH) Student Government Association have approved a resolution that would urge UH to sever ties with the two corporate giants and remove them from its campus. This decision represents a strong stance against complicity in world politics and was spurred by a collective outcry against continued backing for Israel amidst the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine. This innovative move demonstrates the students’ dedication to moral responsibility and support for underprivileged groups around the world.
On the Islamic Human Rights Commission website, a list is provided of the various companies that are being boycotted because of their support of Israel, including McDonald’s. As stated on the site, “McDonald’s has donated free meals to Israeli soldiers, introduced a 50% discount for military personnel and hired a team of lawyers to fight suggestions that they are distributing free meals to Palestinians in Gaza.”
An article from The Financial Times further delves into Starbucks’ circumstances regarding the boycott. It reports that the chain accused Starbucks Workers United of trademark infringement for utilizing the company’s name and logo in a post on X to express solidarity with Palestinians. In response, Workers United filed a counterclaim, alleging defamation by Starbucks for insinuating that the union endorses terrorism and violence. This caused crossfire of both pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protests, leaving the company to respond by saying it had “no political agenda” and rejected rumors on social media that it was using its profits to fund “any government or military operations anywhere.”
Looking further into the situation in Palestine, there are disheartening statistics that showcase the devastating events that are currently occurring. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, data gathered since Oct. 7, 2023, and recently updated on Feb. 2, 2024, there have been approximately 30,738 deaths, 76,183 injured, 2,000,000 displaced, 11,270 detainees and 355,000 damaged housing units.
Looking at the devastating events in Palestine, it is understandable why students at UH are working towards removing McDonald’s and Starbucks from their campus. As a community, this is a call to action not just to other students at universities that may have these corporate businesses on their campuses, but to people everywhere who are still purchasing from these companies. Although it can be viewed as an “inconvenience” to stop buying from these big chain corporations, it is a small, minuscule issue to endure in comparison to the genocide that is currently happening.
If you want to learn more, please visit the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions or the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics to stay updated on news surrounding Palestine.
Correction: A previous version of this article claimed that the University of Houston had opted to sever ties with Starbucks and McDonalds. This information was found to have been false, as students from the University of Houston Student Government Association approved a resolution that urged the university to take action and remove the businesses from campus. However, no official action has been taken by the university at this time. The statement has been removed from the article.
