Who Got Perfect Scores on the Corporate Equality Index?

Image: PHOTO: More than two dozen travel-related companies earned perfect scores on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index 2018. (photo via Flickr/Ted Eytan)
Image: PHOTO: More than two dozen travel-related companies earned perfect scores on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index 2018. (photo via Flickr/Ted Eytan)
Paul Heney
by Paul Heney
Last updated: 9:22 AM ET, Mon November 13, 2017

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation recently released its Corporate Equality Index 2018, a list that rates workplaces on LGBTQ equality issues.

A review of the list showed that more than two dozen companies involved in the travel industry have earned perfect scores.

While welcome news, this was not particularly a surprise in an industry that has long been inclusive of-and often a magnet for-gay and lesbian employees.

"It's no surprise that many top-scoring businesses are also top-performing businesses. They know that creating inclusive workplaces and communities where their employees can thrive is an investment in their own competitive edge. That's why LGBTQ-inclusive workplace policies are becoming the norm in the U.S. and having an impact around the globe," said Chad Griffin, President, Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

However, Griffin also noted that these rights are under attack in this fraught political climate, and employers need to speak up.

"Businesses are also continuing to speak out when the rights of LGBTQ people come under attack," he said.

"From joining the fight against anti-LGBTQ legislation in Texas to backing the federal Equality Act in record-breaking numbers, hundreds of corporate allies are raising their influential voices in the public square. Their support has been critical in fighting back against attacks on not only their LGBTQ workers but millions of other LGBTQ people all across America who too often find themselves being attacked for cynical political gain."

The 16th edition of the Index found that 609 different businesses met all of the included criteria, earning a 100 percent rating and the designation of being a "Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality."

This is the highest number in the history of the CEI.

These companies related to the hospitality industry earned perfect 100 percent scores:

-Airbnb Inc.

-Alaska Airlines

-American Airlines

-Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

-Caesars Entertainment Corp.

-Carnival Corp.

-Choice Hotels International Inc.

-Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, The

-Darden Restaurants Inc.

-Delta Air Lines Inc.

-Expedia Inc.

-Hilton Inc.

-Hyatt Hotels Corp.

-InterContinental Hotels Group America

-JetBlue Airways Corp.

-Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group LLC

-Marriott International Inc.

-MGM Resorts International

-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

-Southwest Airlines Co.

-United Airlines

-Walt Disney Co., The

-Wyndham Worldwide Corp.

-Wynn Resorts Ltd.

-Yelp Inc.


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Paul Heney

Paul Heney

Paul J. Heney is a lifelong writer and avid world traveler. He's served as Editorial Director for several hospitality magazines, including Luxury Hotelier, Hotel Design, and Hotel & Motel Management. He has written extensively about family travel, green issues, cruises, and LGBT travel issues. He has won multiple Azbee awards for writing from the American Society of Business Publication Editors and served as National President of the association from 1999-2003. He lives in suburban Cleveland with his partner and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @paulheney or Instagram at @paulheney.

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