BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Amid mounting conservative backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, a new report from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) highlights a surprising trend: many U.S. companies are doubling down on their commitment to LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace.
Released by the HRC’s education arm, the 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) evaluates policies, benefits, and practices impacting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees across 1,449 companies. Despite the withdrawal of some high-profile brands from the voluntary survey, the report shows a steady increase in workplace inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ employees.
Backlash and progress: a dual narrative
The CEI has become a flashpoint in broader conservative campaigns to challenge DEI initiatives in corporate America. High-profile brands like McDonald’s, Walmart, and Ford have come under pressure from conservative activists. Many companies, including McDonald’s, cited the 2023 Supreme Court ruling against race-based affirmative action in college admissions as a reason to scale back diversity policies.
Still, progress persists. This year’s report includes 72 first-time participants, and 765 companies earned a perfect score of 100—28 percent more than last year. Companies are graded on various metrics, including anti-discrimination policies covering sexual orientation and gender identity, health benefits for same-sex spouses, and support for transgender employees.
“At times, progress meets backlash, but companies continue to dedicate the time and resources to reinforcing workplace inclusion,” said HRC President Kelley Robinson. “As a result, they are more competitive and more creative while attracting and retaining top talent and widening their consumer base.”
Highlights of the 2025 report
Among the companies that participated, McDonald’s earned a perfect score, despite announcing it would no longer participate in the survey. Other top scorers included Walmart and Lowe’s, both receiving 90 points.
The CEI also emphasized a growing trend: the adoption of gender transition guidelines. Over 1,000 companies reported implementing these policies, which offer clear guidance for managers, transitioning employees, and their colleagues—a 21 percent increase from last year.
“Guidelines like these demonstrate the evolving understanding of workplace inclusivity,” Robinson noted, emphasizing their importance in creating supportive environments for all employees.
The quiet commitment to DEI
David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at NYU School of Law, highlighted the nuanced reality of corporate DEI efforts. “The vast majority of companies that were doing DEI before are still doing it,” Glasgow said. “The only difference is that they’re changing some programs mostly for legal risk mitigation purposes and doing it more quietly to avoid scrutiny.”
This subtle shift underscores how businesses are adapting to the political and social climate without abandoning their core commitments to equality and inclusion.
A two-decade legacy of change
Since its debut in 2002, the CEI has played a pivotal role in shaping corporate policies for LGBTQ+ employees. Initially focused on preventing discrimination in hiring and the workplace, the Index has evolved to include stricter criteria, reflecting broader societal changes. Experts credit the CEI with driving significant improvements in workplace benefits and protections for LGBTQ+ employees.
The ongoing challenges posed by backlash highlight the complexity of advancing DEI initiatives. However, as the CEI’s 2025 findings reveal, many companies remain steadfast in their efforts to create equitable workplaces, proving that progress can persist even in the face of resistance.
