Alignment: Founded and historically controlled by the Marriott family, devout members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; the Marriotts were among the largest fundraisers and donors for Mitt Romney’s 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns; the publicly-traded corporation simultaneously maintains broad Fortune 500 DEI and Pride commitments under professional management.
Summary
Marriott International was founded by J. Willard Marriott, and the Marriott family — devout members of the LDS Church — remains a significant shareholder and influence. The family was among the most important fundraising and donor networks behind Mitt Romney’s 2008 and 2012 presidential bids. The publicly-traded company itself, however, maintains broad corporate DEI commitments and runs sustained LGBTQ-inclusion programming under professional management — placing it in a true “mixed” middle.
Claims & Sources
Claim 1: The Marriott family was a major fundraising and donor network for Mitt Romney’s presidential campaigns.
Source: NPR — Family Ties To Marriott Heirs Pay Off For Romney.
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