Thousands of children are killed and murdered in Palestine, and it breaks my heart to know that our money is going towards supporting this genocide. I am not alone in feeling this way. Many students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) are deeply concerned about how our patronage of Starbucks contributes to the violation of human rights in Palestine. We have a responsibility as a university community to align our economic choices with our values of justice, peace, and human dignity.

Starbucks has been criticized for its support towards entities that have shown support for actions that contribute to the suffering of Palestinians. By allowing Starbucks to operate within our student union, we inadvertently become complicit in supporting these actions. This is not just a political issue, but a humanitarian one that transcends national boundaries and calls for global solidarity.

As students, faculty, and staff of UMKC, our voices are powerful when united. We call upon the administration to consider this heartfelt appeal and replace Starbucks with another coffee and food provider that aligns with our ethical standards. There are numerous other companies that offer quality coffee and food without compromising humanitarian values. Institutions such as Café Corazon, HerCafe, or local Kansas City coffee roasters present viable alternatives that can provide students with their coffee fix without the side of controversy.

This change will not only reflect our commitment to ethical consumption but also set a precedent for universities across the nation to prioritize justice and equality in their economic engagements. Let us be proud of the choices we make as a community that values human lives over profits.

Join us in this movement towards ethical consumption. Sign this petition to urge the UMKC administration to stand against genocide and for the rights of innocent Palestinian lives. Together, we can make a difference, one cup of coffee at a time.