Louisville, Kentucky-based Papa John's International Inc. said it received a score of 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2021 Corporate Equality Index, the national benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Papa John's is the only pizza company to earn a score of 100, a news release said.

"This outstanding Corporate Equality Index score is just another example of how we are truly making Papa John's a welcoming and inclusive place to work, where our team members feel supported to be their authentic selves. One of our core corporate values is 'everyone belongs'. We are proud to live that value daily and continue the transformation of our company culture," Marvin Boakye, chief people and diversity officer, said in the release. "Again, this year, I want to thank our LGBTQ+ employee resource group for their dedication to ensuring our policies and practices are supporting everyone who works for Papa John's."

The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:

  • Non-discrimination policies across business entities.
  • Equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families.
  • Supporting an inclusive culture.
  • Corporate social responsibility.

Papa John's efforts in satisfying all of the CEI's criteria earned a 100% ranking and the designation as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

"From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to a long overdue reckoning with racial injustice, 2020 was an unprecedented year. Yet, many businesses across the nation stepped up and continued to prioritize and champion LGBTQ equality," Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign president, said in the release. "This year has shown us that tools like the CEI are crucial in the work to increase equity and inclusion in the workplace, but also that companies must breathe life into these policies and practices in real and tangible ways. Thank you to the companies that understand protecting their LGBTQ employees and consumers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do — but the best business decision."

The CEI rates employers providing these crucial protections to over 18 million U.S. workers and an additional 17 million abroad.

Papa John's currently has more than 5,300 restaurants in 48 countries and territories globally.

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