Greetings!
Yesterday the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index was
released, HRC's annual survey rates U.S. corporations on their
non-discrimination policies and practices toward lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender employees and consumers.
Tennessee Equality Project is proud to congratulate a Tennessee
based company whose rating increased 40 points over last year,
Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores.
A quote from page 8 of the report, which also lists Cracker Barrel
as one of the twelve organizations who had an increase of 30 or
greater:
"Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Inc., once in the news for delivering pink slips justified by 'The
employee is gay,' has implemented a non-discrimination policy and
diversity training that includes sexual orientation and has even
gone as far as to provide a cash grant to the Tennessee Equality
Project."
Equality -
Now Being Served!
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TEP is grateful for a generous gift from Cracker Barrel which is
part of a broader strategy to bring friendly and accepting
workplaces to Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and the corporate
operations here in Tennessee. However, it is important to remember
that the real winners here are the employees who are benefiting
from the steps being taken to protect them.
On a personal note, as a former employee of both Cracker Barrel
restaurants and the Home Office, I am overjoyed by this news.
While I was always evaluated strictly on my job performance and
never felt I was treated differently because of my sexual
orientation, I know there were employees who were not fully
comfortable being themselves. It is my hope that this will bring to
Cracker Barrel's LGBT employees a sense relief and the ability to
share their true selves with their co-workers and friends.
As we work to develop and identify safe and friendly workplaces
across the entire state, we applaud the efforts that have led to
this wonderful increase in HRC's Corporate Equality Index Score for
2011.
The leadership shown by Cracker Barrel in standing up for the LGBT
community should not go unnoticed. Many among us were aware of a
very different history for the company; one that is now quickly
becoming ancient history. To share your gratitude of Cracker
Barrel's support, visit their website at www.crackerbarrel.com.
The full HRC's Corporate Equality Index Report is available here.
Cracker Barrel's actions are a step in the right direction for
Tennessee, but we know other organizations still lag behind. If you
have ever been subjected to discrimination in employment or housing
on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,
please contact me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
H.G. Stovall
Board President
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