Darden Restaurants scored a 100 out of 100 on the 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a political stakeholder group. By complying with the HRC’s controversial demands, Darden Restaurants increases the risk of dividing employees, alienating customers and harming shareholders. The company provides a benefits package for employees which covers transgender medical procedures for covered employees and dependents, including children. It also uses sex and gender ideology criteria in employee recruitment, vendor selection, marketing, and philanthropic support. Darden Restaurants forces employees to undergo multiple ideological trainings and uses its reputation, corporate funds, and political influence to support controversial sex and gender ideologies, organizations, and legislation. Darden Restaurants does not provide viewpoint protections for its employees. However, it has not publicly canceled customers, suppliers, or vendors based on political views or religious beliefs. The company supports the Equality Act and funds multiple LGBT organizations. Darden is a member of the MCCA, indicating its focus on recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees based on race. For these reasons, Darden Restaurants receives a High Risk rating.