Panera Bread scored a 90 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, the company 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. Panera Bread uses its reputation, corporate funds, and political influence to support controversial sex and gender ideologies, organizations, and legislation. Panera Bread does not provide viewpoint protections for its employees but has not publicly canceled business relationships based on views or beliefs. The company is a Bronze sponsor of the HRC and requires unconscious bias training for its employees. For these reasons, Panera Bread receives a High Risk rating.