AT&T’s Policies Receive Recognition from Human Rights Campaign Foundation
Dallas, Texas, December 08, 2011
AT&T* today announced that, for the eighth consecutive year, it earned a 100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) 2012 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The report, released each fall, analyzes and rates large U.S. employers on their policies and practices for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
“We are honored by the Human Right Campaign’s recognition that AT&T continues to be a great place to work, and where harnessing the diverse backgrounds and views represented by our workforce and our community is understood and embraced as a key driver in our success,” said Debbie Storey, AT&T senior vice president of talent development and chief diversity officer.
“AT&T’s efforts around LGBT inclusion are not new to our brand,” Storey added. “We were one of the first Fortune 500 companies to adopt a non-discrimination policy toward sexual orientation, followed by the adoption of one of the first domestic partner benefits for LGBT employees. But our commitment to the LGBT community goes beyond our workplace. This means working hard to create unique marketing solutions that target and resonate with diverse segments, including the LGBT segment.”
Among others, AT&T offers the following:
- Health insurance benefits offered to domestic partners beginning in 1999 and, since 2005, to legally recognized partners.
- Qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity pension offered to spouses and partners.
- Health insurance plan coverage for transition-related treatment of transgender individuals.
- Mandatory training for new hires on AT&T’s non-discrimination policy, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Outreach to the LBGT community including recruiting, marketing, community involvement and support for LBGT equality.
AT&T’s effort to ensure all employees have the opportunity to be fully included in the company’s mission is further evidenced by its 11 employee resource groups, which offer opportunities for employees to learn, network, collaborate and develop professionally. All of these groups, including LEAGUE at AT&T – the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies Organization at AT&T – are supportive partners in AT&T’s business. LEAGUE at AT&T was founded by employees in 1987.
“Whether it is partnering on workforce diversity, taking a stand against bullying, or supporting diverse organizations, AT&T remains an “A-list” company for LGBT equality and benefits,” said Theresa Bates-McLemore, chief executive officer of LEAGUE at AT&T. “I am proud to work for a company that champions diversity and provides an environment where employees feel safe and valued to bring their authentic self to work.”
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T, news, filings) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.
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