H&R Block

Consumer Services

Risk Level:

Rating - Caution
Medium Risk

Summary:

H&R Block has not publicly terminated business relationships due to viewpoints, despite its pledge to vet vendors for LGBTQ policies and its advancement of LGBTQ causes. The company does not use corporate dollars to advance ideological groups hostile to freedom of expression, but it does discriminate against religious charities. H&R Block does not protect its employees from viewpoint discrimination, but it does push gender-affirming and pro-LGBTQ policies within its company. It has not externally promoted partisan agendas or terminated clients for their beliefs. For these reasons, H&R Block receives a "Medium Risk" rating.

Criteria
Risk Level
Rationale
Corporate Weaponization
Criteria

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.

Risk Level
Rationale

H&R Block has not publicly terminated business relationships due to religious beliefs or political views. The company received a score of 100 on the Corporate Equality Index from the Human Rights Campaign (1). Among other requirements, this means H&R Block has pledged to vet vendors based on LGBTQ policies.

Criteria

Charitable giving (including employee matching programs) policies or practices discriminate against charitable organizations based on views or religious beliefs.

Risk Level
Rationale

H&R Block’s foundation’s eligibility requirements state: “Non-Jewish religious organizations whose primary purpose is the promotion of specific religious doctrine (are ineligible), though religious organizations may be eligible to receive funding for activities that are non-sectarian and benefit the larger community” (1). H&R Block has an employee charitable matching program to reward employee donations or volunteering; the program discriminates against religious organizations (2).

Criteria

Employment policies fail to protect against discrimination based on political affiliation/views and/or religion.

Risk Level
Rationale

H&R Block does not protect its employees against viewpoint discrimination (1).

Corporate Governance and Public Policy
Criteria

Uses corporate reputation to support ideological causes and/or organizations hostile to freedom of expression.

Risk Level
Rationale

H&R Block advocates against state laws that aim to preserve girls’ and women’s sports and a meaningful distinction between genders (1). The company has not supported other ideological causes or policies.

Criteria

Uses corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies hostile to freedom of expression.

Risk Level
Rationale

H&R Block has a micro-grant program for LGBTQ-owned businesses (1). Internally, the company funds gender transition procedures for its employees (2). However, the company has not otherwise used corporate funds to advance ideological organizations hostile to freedom of expression (3).

Criteria

Uses corporate political contributions for ideological, non-business purposes.

Risk Level
Rationale

H&R Block has a record of giving in a bipartisan manner consistent with business interests free from ideological prejudice or pursuit (1).

All links were last accessed and all information was updated on:
December 30, 2022

Company reports are intended for educational use only. Full Disclaimer

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