Borders Group Achieves a Perfect Score on the 2008 Corporate Equality Index

Borders Group Achieves a Perfect Score on the 2008 Corporate Equality Index

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Borders Group, Inc. has attained a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2008 Corporate Equality Index published by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, a civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) equality. This marks the third time that Borders Group has attained a perfect score on the Index since the HRC began publishing it in 2002.

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The Index rates employers on a scale of 0 to 100 percent on their treatment of GLBT employees and consumers. Ratings are based on factors like non-discrimination policies, diversity training and benefits for domestic partners and transgender employees.

"We are honored to once again receive such a distinguished rating," said Chief Executive Officer George Jones. "Borders Group values the creative ideas and opinions that come from a diverse team. We work hard to ensure that diversity and inclusion are a part of everyday life at Borders, and we will continue our efforts to attract talented individuals that reflect the diverse communities that we serve."

"More businesses than ever before have recognized the value of a diverse and dedicated workforce," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "More importantly, these employers understand that discrimination against GLBT workers will ultimately hurt their ability to compete in the global marketplace."

Borders Group established a diversity initiative more than five years ago to support the business imperative of diversity in the workplace. Through the work of an internal diversity task force and related subcommittees and advisory councils, the initiative focuses on four strategic cornerstones of diversity: reflecting the communities Borders Group serves; anticipating and surpassing the expectations of diverse customers; formalizing a supplier diversity program; and building internal and external awareness of Borders Group's commitment to diversity.

As part of its diversity program, Borders Group has several Employee Action Groups (EAGs) that support diversity efforts in the workplace, marketplace, and the local community. The GLBT EAG advocates for GLBT employees by raising awareness of GLBT issues in the corporate office, and exploring ways to extend the Borders commitment to diversity to customers and the local community.

Borders Group will be formally recognized at the Corporate Equality Index awards reception Oct. 17 in New York.

About the Human Rights Campaign

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

About Borders Group

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE:BGP) is a leading global retailer of books, music and movies with more than 1,200 stores and over 32,000 employees worldwide. More information on the company is available at www.bordersgroupinc.com.

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Source: Borders Group, Inc.

CONTACT: Anne Roman, +1-734-477-1392, or Mary Davis, +1-734-477-1374,
both of Borders Group, Inc.

Web site:

http://www.bordersgroupinc.com/

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