Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq:  SYMC) achieved a perfect 100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) 2012 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for the fourth consecutive year. In addition, Symantec received the coveted distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality” by HRC.

“At Symantec, we understand that LGBT-inclusive workplace policies are instrumental in providing a great place to work for ALL of our employees.  Living and working in accordance with these policies is good business practice, is the right thing to do, and, most importantly, provides an inclusive atmosphere that our employees value,” said Rebecca Ranninger, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Symantec.  “When Symantec launched our diversity and inclusion initiative, we received feedback from employees expressing a desire to discuss issues of interest to members of the gay community. As a result, Symantec launched SymPRIDE -- our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & allies employee resource group, which provides a network for employees to connect and implement changes to improve the work environments for all LGBT employees.”

The HRC, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, uses the CEI as a means to rate large U.S. companies on how they treat their GLBT employees, consumers and investors. To achieve a perfect score and the coveted distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality,” companies must have fully-inclusive equal employment opportunity policies, provide equal employment benefits, demonstrate organizational LGBT competency, evidence their commitment to equality publicly and exercise responsible citizenship.

“Symantec continually strives to improve workplace equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community,” said Ellen McLatchey, director, Diversity and Inclusion, Symantec. “Internally, we are broadening our policies and expanding benefits, while externally, we promote equality by diversifying our suppliers. We are proud to partner with businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by an LGBT individual(s). Achieving recognition by the Human Rights Campaign for the fourth consecutive year is a clear reflection of the way in which we operate– with full attention to deepening our support of LGBT employees outside of the United States and increasing our social impact.”

Since its company-wide launch, members of SymPRIDE connect virtually and act locally, hosting events with guest speakers on topics of interest to their community, sponsoring Symantec booths at local pride events and introducing their partners to coworkers. In fact, when SymPRIDE launched, the members recommended that Symantec participate in the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) survey. With the input and support of SymPRIDE members, Symantec moved from a score of 80 in 2007 to a score of 100 in 2008, a score the company has maintained every year since.

In addition, SYMPride has been instrumental in helping Symantec develop gender transition guidelines that are used by HR, managers, and the transitioning employee. In FY10, Symantec also signed a letter of support for the U.S. Employee Non-Discrimination Act, proposed legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Last year, Symantec released its 2011 Corporate Responsibility report, which addressed high-priority issues for Symantec including climate and energy, customer satisfaction, diversity, human rights, talent retention, securing information, philanthropy, and governance and ethics. The full report can be found at http://www.symantec.com/corporate_responsibility.

The Ethisphere Institute also recently placed Symantec for the fifth straight year on its list of World’s Most Ethical Companies.  Furthermore, Symantec was recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the world’s most admirable computer software companies.

About Symantec

Symantec is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help consumers and organizations secure and manage their information-driven world.  Our software and services protect against more risks at more points, more completely and efficiently, enabling confidence wherever information is used or stored. More information is available at www.symantec.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, please visit the Symantec News Room at http://www.symantec.com/news. All prices noted are in U.S. dollars and are valid only in the United States.

Symantec and the Symantec Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward-looking Statements: Any forward-looking indication of plans for products is preliminary and all future release dates are tentative and are subject to change. Any future release of the product or planned modifications to product capability, functionality, or feature are subject to ongoing evaluation by Symantec, and may or may not be implemented and should not be considered firm commitments by Symantec and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions.

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