American coffee chain Philz Coffee removed rainbow flags from stores. This decision receives heavy criticism from customers and employees.

Philz Coffee has locations in California and Chicago. Some stores had rainbow flags, but the company ordered their removal this month. CEO Mahesh Sadarangani said it concerns uniform appearance. "We work on consistent, inclusive experience in all stores, including removing different flags and decor," he said. "This changes how our stores look, not who we are."

The decision was poorly received. Over 6,700 people signed a petition on Change.org to restore the flags. According to the petition, employees and customers feel "confused and unsupported." The petition states that rainbow flags are important. They show that everyone is welcome, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

This is not the first such conflict. Boston University also removed rainbow flags but reversed the decision after criticism. The American city Boise banned rainbow flags, but business owners placed them anyway.