Berkshire Bank
Corprate Bias Ratings
Risk Level:
Summary:
Berkshire Bank cut its ties with gun manufacturers in 2016. The company vets vendors according to LGBTQ policies and does not provide its employees with protections against viewpoint discrimination. Berkshire Bank does not seem to discriminate against religious organizations in its charitable giving. It also covers the cost of "medically necessary transition-related care” for its employees and their children. Berkshire Bank uses its corporate reputation to advance LGBTQ policies and causes. For these reasons, Berkshire Bank earns a High 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.
In 2016, Berkshire Bank canceled its lending ties to gun manufacturer Sig Sauer (1). Berkshire Bank has received a score of 100 on the Corporate Equality Index from the Human Rights Campaign. Among other requirements, this indicates the company has a written policy pledging to vet vendors for LGBTQ policies (2)(3).
Charitable giving (including employee matching programs) policies or practices discriminate against charitable organizations based on views or religious beliefs.
Berkshire Bank restricts its giving to small businesses, financial development, and providing safe housing. It does not seem to discriminate against faith-based charities (1).
Employment policies fail to protect against discrimination based on political affiliation/views and/or religion.
Berkshire Bank does not provide viewpoint protections for its employees (1).
Uses corporate reputation to support ideological causes and/or organizations hostile to freedom of expression.
Berkshire Bank opposed the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, which prohibits teaching gender identity and sexual orientation in schools to kids in K-3rd grade (1). It also signed open letters supporting the Equality Act (2). Berkshire Bank was part of the Freedom for All Americans coalition, which advocated for federal legislation that would overrule state laws designed to protect girls’ sports and similar laws (3). The company has posted a blog post that highlights its LGBT advocacy, including gender inclusive restrooms and usage of pronouns in the workplace (4).
Uses corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies hostile to freedom of expression.
Uses corporate political contributions for ideological, non-business purposes.
Berkshire Bank does not operate a PAC at this time.
All links were last accessed and all information was updated on:
December 5, 2023
Company reports are intended for educational use only. Full Disclaimer