BCBSRI, CVS, Hasbro earn perfect scores on Corporate Equality Index

THE HUMAN Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, on Monday released its annual report assessing LGBT inclusion in major companies and law firms across the nation. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, CVS Health Corp. and Hasbro Inc. all received perfect scores on he index.
THE HUMAN Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, on Monday released its annual report assessing LGBT inclusion in major companies and law firms across the nation. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, CVS Health Corp. and Hasbro Inc. all received perfect scores on he index.

(Updated 9:31 a.m.)
PROVIDENCE – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, CVS Health Corp. and Hasbro Inc. all received perfect scores on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index.
In addition, Watertown, Mass.-based Tufts Health Plan also received a perfect score on the CEI.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, on Monday released its annual report assessing LGBT inclusion in major companies and law firms across the nation.

BCBSRI and CVS again received top scores of 100. Hasbro improved to 100 from 90 last year.

Woonsocket-based CVS said this is the third year it has received a perfect score.

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“Our company’s success depends on the rich diversity that our colleagues, customers and suppliers bring to CVS Health,” Lisa Bisaccia, executive vice president and chief human resources officer for CVS Health and executive sponsor of the company’s LGBT resource group, said in a statement. “To sustain breakthrough innovation, we must seek out, listen to and leverage everyone’s voices and ensure that every individual feels equally valued, respected and appreciated.”

CVS said some of the programs and initiatives that accounted for its top score include gender transition guidelines, and a benefits package that provides health insurance coverage for medically necessary health care services that transgender people need.

Brian Goldner, chairman, president and CEO of Pawtucket-based Hasbro, said that the company is committed to building a future in which all people feel welcome.
“That’s why we believe so deeply in fostering an inclusive workplace, one where employees feel empowered to be themselves and leaders celebrate diversity,” Goldner said in prepared remarks.

A total of 887 companies nationwide were rated in the CEI, 36 more companies than last year. This year, a record 517 businesses earned a top score of 100 percent and the distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.” Last year, 407 businesses received that distinction.

For the second year in a row, Textron Inc. received a score of 55, United Natural Foods Inc. received a score of 10 and Tiffany & Co., which has a facility in Cumberland, received a score of 95. The average score for companies in Rhode Island is 73 percent.

Rockland, Mass.-based Rockland Trust Co., a commercial bank serving Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, also received a perfect score of 100 percent for the second consecutive year.

And Nixon Peabody LLP, a national law firm based in Boston with an office in Providence, again received a perfect score.
The CEI rates companies and top law firms on non-discrimination policies, employment benefits, demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBT diversity and inclusion, public commitment to LGBT equality and responsible citizenship.

“Even in the face of relentless attempts to undermine equality, America’s leading companies and law firms remain steadfast and committed to supporting and defending the rights and dignity of LGBTQ people,” HRC President Chad Griffin said in a statement. “The unprecedented expansion of inclusive workplaces across the country and around the globe not only reflects our progress, it helps drive it. As we enter a new chapter in our fight for equality, support from the business community will be more critical than ever to protect our historic advancements over the last decade and to continue to push equality forward for workers, customers and families around the world.”

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