A recent TikTok post by Imaan Up has ignited a debate on the rights of parents with disabled children in public spaces after her experience at a Starbucks location. Her video, which has over 200,000 views, shows a tense moment after Starbucks employees allegedly threatened to call 911 because her autistic son was crying.
In the caption of her post, Imaan explained her version of the story, which can’t be verified. She alleged, “STARBUCKS THREATENED TO CALL 911 BECAUSE MY AUTISTIC SON WAS CRYING.” She explained that the whole issue started when Starbucks made an error with her order. While they were waiting for the order to get remade, her son got distressed and threw a tantrum.
In an attempt to calm him, Imaan attempted to buy him a treat, but the employee apparently refused to complete the sale. She further claimed other customers tried to help. However, the supervisor supposedly stated that service wouldn’t resume until Imaan and her son left. Imaan emphasized that they were not aggressive or threatening, writing, “Autism is not a crime. Families like ours need understanding not humiliation and threats. Please share for autism awareness.”
The rights of parents.
Imaan’s video captures her conversation with the Starbucks employees after things had escalated. Emotionally, she demanded to know why they refused to serve her to which the female employee tells her, “Your kid is in there crying?” Imaan clarifies to them that he is crying because “he’s want his lollipop.” Shockingly, the female employee responds with, “Common decency. Leave your kid out there. Get the lollipop. Bring it to your kid.”
Angrily, Imaan asks, “Show me this policy. When you have this. That if kids cry, you will refuse serving us.” A male employee then interjects, claiming, “You have a third-party policy.” The video ends with Imaan demanding to see the policy.
The community was evenly split. Many users were absolutely appalled by the employees’ behavior. One user exclaimed, “I hate how many adults hate children. They are kids. This one has autism like what’s wrong with yall ?” The suggestion to “leave your kid out there” particularly drew ire, with one TikToker stating, “Did she really say leave your kid out there? She needs to get fired. She has no business working in customer service.”
Some comments supported the employees or offered alternative perspectives. One user wrote, “When I work at Starbucks they do mention that we allowed to deny service for disruptive behavior.” Another user commented, “Wow ppl just want to chill in starbucks not hear screaming.”
Some users shared their strategies: “Drive through. I use the drive through because I know my son doesn’t do lines and crowds very well.” Then there were some TikTokers who believed we didn’t have the necessary context, One person asked, “What happened before this. I think the employees are refusing service due to the moms reaction not the kid crying.”
According to AP News, Starbucks actually changed its policy last year regarding who can stay in their cafes. Back in 2018, the company had implemented an open-door policy, welcoming anyone to sit in their stores or use the restroom, even if they hadn’t bought anything.
This change came after a highly publicized incident where two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks because they hadn’t made a purchase. At the time, Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz reportedly didn’t want people to feel “less than” if they were denied access.
AP noted that this open-door policy eventually led to problems. Employees and customers struggled with unruly and even dangerous behavior in stores. It eventually led to the closure of 16 stores across the country due to repeated safety issues like drug use and other disruptive behaviors that threatened staff. So, last year, Starbucks reversed course.
The new code of conduct now requires a purchase to stay at the cafe or use the restroom. It also bans discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use, and panhandling. The new code of conduct clearly warns that violators will be asked to leave, and it states that the store may call law enforcement if necessary.
There are legal limits when it comes to customers with disabilities, though. According to Little Champs, under the ADA, individuals with autism are protected from discrimination in public spaces like restaurants, retail stores, transportation, and recreational facilities. They noted that “Public access rights are not optional, they’re federal law.”
This means that businesses are generally required to make reasonable modifications to their policies and practices to accommodate individuals with disabilities. While specific “reasonable accommodations” can vary, they might include things like sensory adjustments or allowing for different communication methods. It’s about ensuring inclusion and opportunity, not special treatment.
Published: Sep 24, 2026 01:58 pm