WALTHAM, Mass., June 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For the sixth consecutive time, Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has achieved a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI).

The HRC, America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, uses the CEI as a means to rate U.S. companies on how they treat their LGBT employees, consumers and investors. Companies with a 100 percent rating are also named to the organization's Best Places to Work list.

In 2005, Raytheon was the first defense and aerospace company to receive a 100 percent score on the CEI. As a leader in fostering an inclusive workplace environment, the company was among the first in its industry to adopt a liberal domestic-partner benefits policy in January 2002.

"We are proud to have once again achieved a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index, since it directly reflects the strides that our company has made to build a culture that recognizes, respects and leverages individual and cultural differences," said Hayward Bell, Raytheon's chief diversity officer. "Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is our undeniable pathway to success for individuals and the company -- for everyone, every day and everywhere."

Through the years, Raytheon's excellence in diversity and inclusion programs have been recognized by multiple awards and organizations including the 2007 Secretary of Labor's Opportunity Award, the federal government's highest award for contractors. Companies must demonstrate through programs or activities a commitment to enhancing opportunities for employees of diverse backgrounds to receive the award.

Raytheon Company, with 2010 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 89 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

www.raytheon.com

Contact:
Jon Kasle
781.522.5110
corporatepr@raytheon.com

SOURCE Raytheon Company