Eastman Wins Equality 100 Award in HRC’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) has earned an impressive score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s (HRCF) 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a prestigious benchmark for assessing corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This recognition places Eastman among the 765 U.S.-based companies honored with the Equality 100 Award, which celebrates organizations that lead in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. The 2025 CEI includes 1,449 companies, marking the highest participation since the index was launched in 2002.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition, which affirms our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for our LGBTQ+ team members and their allies,” stated Julie McAlindon, Senior Vice President, Regions, and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Eastman. McAlindon, who also serves as the executive champion of Eastman’s Equality resource group, emphasized that the award reflects the collective efforts of the company’s global workforce. “This recognition showcases Eastman’s ongoing dedication to improving the quality of life for our employees and the communities in which we operate,” she added.
The Corporate Equality Index is more than just a score—it serves as a vital tool for transparency and accountability. It helps businesses ensure that LGBTQ+ employees and their families are afforded fair, respectful, and supportive workplaces. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, Senior Director of Workplace Equality at HRCF, highlighted the role of the CEI in supporting organizations across the U.S. and beyond, emphasizing the importance of equity and inclusion in the evolving conversations about diversity in corporate America.
“As participation in the CEI continues to grow, it demonstrates that businesses recognize the responsibility and value of promoting equity and inclusion,” Hawkins said. “The CEI helps businesses expand their consumer base, attract top talent, and, ultimately, support the LGBTQ+ community in meaningful ways.”
The results of the 2025 CEI underscore how U.S.-based companies are making strides in promoting LGBTQ+ friendly workplace policies, both domestically and internationally. From its humble beginnings in 2002 with just 319 participants, the CEI has grown to include 1,449 organizations in 2025, reflecting an ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Notably, 98 percent of CEI-participating businesses now provide non-discrimination protections specific to gender identity, a significant increase from previous years.
The CEI rates employers on four core pillars:
- Non-discrimination policies across business entities.
- Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families.
- An inclusive workplace culture.
- Corporate social responsibility.
These factors contribute to a detailed assessment of companies’ LGBTQ+ workplace policies and practices. The report includes a wide range of businesses, from the Fortune 500 to large law firms, as well as publicly and privately held companies of various sizes. In total, the CEI impacts over 22 million U.S. workers, making it a powerful tool for advancing LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace.
Eastman’s recognition in the CEI aligns with its broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company has continually invested in creating a workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and supported. As a global leader in the specialty materials sector, Eastman’s culture of inclusion extends beyond its corporate walls, aiming to make a positive impact in communities around the world.
About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF): The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America’s largest civil rights organization dedicated to achieving equality for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The HRC Foundation works to create lasting change by promoting inclusive policies, providing educational resources, and fostering partnerships with institutions, businesses, and advocates. With a strong focus on transgender and racial justice, the HRC Foundation has transformed the lives of millions of workers, students, and families, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to combat inequities and thrive in supportive environments.
