American Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, despite suggestions that participation may have affected its financial standing. The Fort Worth-based airline has consistently scored highly on the index, which measures a company's policies and practices towards LGBTQ+ employees.
The decision by American Airlines contrasts with other major US companies that have withdrawn from the index following the new administration's start earlier this year. Despite a proposal from a shareholder, identified as the National Center For Public Policy Research, urging American to end its association with HRC due to alleged financial repercussions, the airline's board encouraged shareholders to vote against it. Shareholders overwhelmingly rejected the proposal, with 273 million votes against and only 5.9 million in favor.
The Corporate Equality Index evaluates companies based on non-discrimination policies, inclusive culture support, benefits inclusivity, and social responsibility. While some companies like Walmart and Lowe's have chosen to stop providing data for the index amid concerns about legal conflicts arising from DEI programs, American Airlines continues to support LGBTQ+ initiatives. The airline will sponsor Dallas' Pride Festival alongside other businesses such as Amazon.