The Human Rights Campaign’s 2015 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) assessed LGBT inclusion in a number of major companies and law firms in Memphis.
The CEI ranks companies on a scale of 1 (worst) to 100 (best) based on non-discrimination policies, employment benefits, demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBT diversity and inclusion, public commitment to LGBT equality, and responsible citizenship.
Memphis-based FedEx Corp. and local law firm Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz tied with for high scores of 85, while AutoZone Corp. received a low score of 15.
FedEx’s non-discrimination policy covers sexual orientation and gender identity. They offer domestic partner benefits, and their insurance covers transgender health benefits, such as hormone therapy and short-term leave after surgical procedures. They have an LGBT employee group, and they actively market to LGBT consumers.
AutoZone does have a non-discrimination policy regarding sexual orientation, but gender identity is not covered. The company also fails to offer domestic partner benefits, and it lacks an LGBT employee group.
Other Memphis companies on the list scored as follows: First Horizon National Corp. (75), Unum Group (60), and International Paper (45).
Nationally, a record 366 businesses scored perfect 100s. The only Tennessee company to score a 100 was Nissan North America, Inc. in Smyrna.
“When it comes to LGBT equality, Corporate America is a leader, not a follower,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “At every turn, from advocating for marriage equality to providing vital support for transgender employees, this country’s leading companies have asked, ‘what more can we do?,’ and they’ve worked tirelessly to achieve new progress. That kind of leadership changes countless lives around this country, and sets an important example to other companies around the globe.”
