University of Minnesota Students petition to Oust Chick-fil-A

[MineralMan]

http://www.mndaily.com/2012/08/01/students-petition-oust-chick-fil

ByAmanda Bankston August 01, 2012
Ordering a fried chicken sandwich and waffle fries at the University of Minnesota’s Chick-fil-A restaurant used to be a campus favorite. Suddenly, since anti-gay comments made by the franchise’s president, it’s become political.

Controversy surrounding the national chain’s stance on same-sex marriage has ignited a campus discussion encompassing business ethics, politics and the University’s efforts toward maintaining an inclusive environment. Most recently, students, faculty and staff have jumped behind a petition to remove the restaurant from Coffman Union’s Minnesota Marketplace food court.

“I was not expecting it to get this big this quickly,” Matthew Haas said, the student behind the petition. “My dream would be to see the restaurant removed from Coffman sometime this academic year.”

In its first week, the petition attracted more than 1,200 signatures . Haas, a graduate student in the plant pathology department , said with the upcoming Minnesota marriage amendment vote, it’s time for the University community to take a stand on the issue.

More at link...

As unlikely as it sounds, this Chick-fil-A has been in the food court at the U of M campus for a long time. It's the only one in Minnesota. Most Twin City residents wouldn't know about it, since parking near Coffman is simply impossible. According to the story, the restaurant got egged by students after the announcement by the company's CEO. I'm betting it will have a short life there now.

[RKP5637]

1. Imagine a CEO of a restaurant chain today endorsing racism against

blacks, telling them they're not wanted, and going on the soapbox for lets bring back segregation. I equate this to civil rights. It's the same sh** IMO.

I hope the door slams Chick-fil-A in the ass hard if they get kicked from the campus. I'm really really tired of this hatred for hatred's sake in America. It's a really downer of a country anymore.

[MineralMan]

2. In Minnesota, where an amendment to limit marriage is on the November ballot,

this is a hot button issue right now here, and especially in the U of M community. I'm surprised that all that has happened is an egging and a petition. If it were easier to get there, I'd go picket the place, but I'm in the middle of a writing contract, and don't have half a day to go there. According to the story, it sounds like the administration of the University isn't exactly defending the restaurant, and I imagine its contract won't be renewed. Now, whether they'll shut it down immediately is another question. They should, of course, but I'm not sure they will.

So far, I haven't heard of any pro-amendment people flocking to it, but that's probably because they have no idea it exists. In any case, when school starts up in earnest soon, I imagine there will be many protests there and pickets. I hope that space is empty soon.

[Marcia Brady]

3. Once again,

No one said "they're not wanted." do they refuse to serve gays? Do they refuse to hire gays? If the answer to both is no (and it appears to be) then they are certainly operating within the laws. You may not like the guy's opinion, and you are free to boycott them forever, but he is within his rights--his First Amendment rights.

[MineralMan]

4. I see. I would boycott them, but there isn't one near anywhere I go.

Is the owner within his rights? Sure. And I'm within my rights to voice my objection to his policies and donations. And I will do just that.

However, I will assure you that they will not be at the U of M campus much longer. The U of M also has rights, and one of those is to select which businesses can open on the campus. It's very likely that Chick-fil-A will not have its contract renewed and entirely possible that they'll be asked to leave. I hope that happens soon.

On another line of thought, I'm not sure why you would say "Once again" in this thread. I do not remember ever having any exchange with you in the past. So, there is no "Once again" that makes any sense here.

[Marcia Brady]

5. Sorry about the "once again"

Just meant that numerous people, in numerous threads, have stated that stating an opinion is far different from denying someone their civil rights.

Dan Cathy stated an objectionable opinion. The mayors (governments) of several cities have threatened to deny business licenses, permits, or whatever on the basis of Dan Cathy's opinions. that is the only denial of civil rights (first amendment rights) involved in this whole situation.

Yes, I too hope that the U of M chooses to non-renew the CFA contract. Seems like that should be within the university's rights.

[RKP5637]

6. True, he is within his rights, but nonetheless I hope he is gone from U of M campus, that,

is within our rights.

[Marcia Brady]

7. agreed

[RKP5637]

8. You make some very good posts! I've read some of them, analytical

and accurate!