The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization, on Wednesday released the 2016 Corporate Equality Index, an annual report assessing LGBT inclusion in major companies and law firms across the nation, including three in Arkansas.
The average score for companies and law firms based in Arkansas is 67 percent. Of the three companies ranked, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. of Bentonville earned a 90 percent, Tyson Foods Inc. of Springdale received an 85 percent and Baldor Electric Co. of Fort Smith received a 25 percent.
The foundation said a record 407 earned a top score of 100 percent and the distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.”
In total, 851 companies were officially rated in the index, up from 781 in the 2015 report.
“While support for LGBT workers is growing in the U.S. and around the world, too many companies still fail to guarantee basic, vital workplace protections that allow employees to bring their full selves to work,” HRC President Chad Griffin said. “That continues to create barriers for LGBT people, especially for transgender people, who face high rates of unemployment and discrimination in hiring. These companies should look to the example set by global corporate leaders as a path forward to achieving LGBT equality for all workers, no matter where they live.”
The CEI rates companies and top law firms on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories:
- Non-discrimination policies
- Employment benefits
- Demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBT diversity and inclusion
- Public commitment to LGBT equality
- Responsible citizenship
The full report, including a searchable employer database is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.
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