Facts: The University has a diversity policy and it states that the University supports gays and gay rights. The WinShape Foundation, which receives 98 percent of its funding from Chick-fil-A, outrightly denounces gay rights.
Opinion: The University and the campus community have been supportive of the GLBT community, but Chick-fil-A still operates on campus. There are those who disagree with the Chick-fil-A on their stance against gay marriage, but students have the right to choose what they buy. However, this also comes with the responsibility of giving their money to a cause they may or may not agree with and it is up to them to decide.
The most popular dining venue on campus is embroiled in controversy. After Chick-fil-A’s charity arm, the Winshape Foundation, was discovered to have various ties to organizations that lobby against gay marriage, many of the restaurant chain’s franchisees found themselves deep in the gay marriage debate. This doesn’t include the location owned by University Dining yet. It is up to students to voice their opinions for or against its continued operation.
Chick-fil-A is not flagrantly discriminating against gays. They will sell a chicken sandwich to anyone who wants to buy one. The Winshape Foundation, however, is tied to organizations that promote only heterosexual marriage and it gets 98 percent of its funding from Chick-fil-A. This means some organizations lobbying against gay marriage are indirectly receiving funding from Chick-fil-A as well, which receives money from the University.
The University has a policy on diversity, and Chancellor Woodson has issued a statement about the importance of diversity at N.C. State. The relationship between Winshape’s contributions and University diversity is arguable. Though in Woodson’s diversity statement he does mention changes in ideas and practices in the world and how “we must now fully embrace them with open arms,” the money going from our franchised Chick-fil-A to Winshape and on to the National Organization for Marriage is not embracing new ideas.
It is unlikely that University Dining is going to shut down its most popular venue due to the actions of a charity organization it is indirectly funding unless students speak up enough. Universities across the country have been struggling with the issue about how to deal with their own campus locations of Chick-fil-A. The only location to close was at Indiana University at South Bend and it reopened after religious groups claimed the university was infringing on religious liberties. This is yet to be heard on our campus.
This issue will have to be decided in the Atrium by the students. We have to take into account where the money we give for our chicken sandwich and waffle fries goes, and decide for ourselves if our chicken sandwich is really worth the cause its supporting. Though we do not expect that we will ever walk into Chick-fil-A and see a barren wasteland devoid of customers, we would hope people consider what their money really supports.
In time, the issue of gay marriage rights will be settled in the courts and in houses of government. Someday, when the issue is put to rest, it is unlikely anyone will ever think the decisions made hinged upon the sale of chicken sandwiches. There will be many who, as a show of solidarity, never eat at Chick-fil-A again and many who will never stop. It is up to each of us to decide what truly is the cost of that chicken sandwich.