American Electric Power
Corprate Bias Ratings
Risk Level:
Summary:
American Electric Power (AEP) vets vendors according to LGBTQ/ESG policies and does not provide its employees with protections against viewpoint discrimination. However, it has not publicly terminated business relationships based on views or beliefs. AEP frequently uses corporate funds to support racially ideological organizations, such as the YWCA. The company supports the Equality Act, is a member of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and has sponsored an LGBTQ pride parade. AEP is committed to net zero emissions by 2045, which includes its relationship to various suppliers. However, it does not use its political contributions for ideological purposes. For these reasons, American Electric Power receives a Medium Risk rating.
Has denied service to customers, suppliers, or vendors due to their political views or religious beliefs OR corporately boycotts, divests, or sanctions regions, people groups, or industries.
American Electric Power received a score of 95 from the Corporate Equality Index. Among other requirements, this means that American Electric Power has a written policy pledging to vet vendors in support of LGBTQ policies (1)(2). The company has also established targets for spending with diverse suppliers and integrates ESG into all of its business practices (3)(4). Southwestern Electric Power’s Supplier Code of Conduct also pledges to vet vendors for LGBTQ policies (5). However, American Electric Power has not publicly fired customers, suppliers, or vendors based on political views or religious beliefs.
Charitable giving (including employee matching programs) policies or practices discriminate against charitable organizations based on views or religious beliefs.
American Electric Power’s charitable giving will not give to all religious organizations but may consider grants to religious organizations that “support non-sectarian social service activities that are available to the broad community” (1). The program supports local hunger, education, and general community initiatives. Southwestern Electric Power Company does not discriminate against religious organizations in its charitable giving (2)(3). Southwestern Electric Power Company donates to Our Lady of Guadalupe Center – Catholic Social Services, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana, and Christian Service (4)(5).
Employment policies fail to protect against discrimination based on political affiliation/views and/or religion.
Uses corporate reputation to support ideological causes and/or organizations hostile to freedom of expression.
American Electric Power CEO Nicholas K. Akins signed the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion Pledge, which includes a commitment to promote DEI through bias education training in the workplace (1). He is also a member of The Business Roundtable (2). AEP is a member of The Business Coalition for the Equality Act and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (3)(4). The company is committed to net zero emissions by 2045 (5). AEP promotes LGBTQ pride on its social media and website (6)(7).
Uses corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies hostile to freedom of expression.
American Electric Power donated 3.1% of its $35.1 million in charitable giving to “Social & Racial Justice” organizations (1). American Electric Power created the Delivering on the Dream grant to “help dismantle systemic racism and prejudice while prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.” The program supports several YWCA chapters (2). AEP funded an LGBTQ pride parade in Columbus, Ohio (3).
All links were last accessed and all information was updated on:
November 28, 2023
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