A federal judge has rejected retaliation charges against Whole Foods Market over its policy prohibiting employees from wearing Black Lives Matter face masks.

On Jan. 23, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled in favor of the Amazon-owned supermarket chain, finding that the employees didn't prove Whole Foods had discriminatory or retaliatory motives.

"This holding is not about the importance of the Black Lives Matter message, the value of plaintiffs' advocacy in wearing the masks, the valor of their speaking out against what they perceived to be discrimination in their workplace, or the quality of Whole Foods' decision-making," the court said. "It is about whether the record can support three retaliation claims under Title VII" of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Whole Foods spokesperson Nathan Cimbala said the company welcomed the ruling.

"Whole Foods Market's dress code policy has long promoted a welcoming, safe and inclusive shopping environment focused entirely on high-quality food. We are pleased with the outcome and appreciate the court's time and attention to this matter," Cimbala said.

Background

Three Whole Foods employees sued the company, alleging race discrimination and retaliation after they wore Black Lives Matter masks at work and were fired. The company's dress code prohibits employees from wearing clothing with any visible slogan, message, logo or advertising, with exceptions for the Whole Foods logo and those of Whole Foods...

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