/PRNewswire/ - J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) has announced that it has earned a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2011 Corporate Equality Index, released by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) earlier this month. The index measures employers on their treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees and consumers. As part of this recognition, JCPenney will be featured on HRC's "Best Places to Work" list as well as the organization's annual "Buying Guide for Equality."

"JCPenney is committed to retaining, attracting and rewarding an inclusive and diverse workforce, and we work hard to provide programs and policies that address the needs of all associates," said Wilson Dunnington, vice president of inclusion and diversity at JCPenney. "It is our goal to win with our associates by building a Company culture that fosters innovation and teamwork. This recognition by the Human Rights Campaign shows that we have been successful in cultivating an environment that respects and values every associate's contribution."

Since it was launched in 2002, the Corporate Equality Index has become the standard by which companies are measured in regard to LGBT diversity and inclusion. The Index, which this year rated over 800 businesses, evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination policies and domestic partner benefits.

"JCPenney has proven itself a leader in ensuring a diverse workforce that values employees and helps maintain the company's competitiveness," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "As employees face a patchwork of federal and state laws that do not adequately protect LGBT people, 100 percent scoring companies have created a model of workplace policies for others to follow."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBT equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

For more information on the 2011 Corporate Equality Index, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

About JCPenney
JCPenney, one of America's leading retailers, operates over 1,100 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com. Serving more than half of America's families each year, JCPenney offers a wide array of private, exclusive and national brands which reflect the Company's vision to be America's shopping destination for discovering great styles at compelling prices. Traded as "JCP" on the New York Stock Exchange, the $17.6 billion retailer is transforming its organization to support its Long Range Plan strategies to build a sustainable, profitable enterprise that serves its customers, engages its associates and rewards its shareholders.

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