Northeastern University nixed a proposal to bring the Chick-fil-A fast food chain to the Curry Student Center after the Student Government Association voted 31 to 5 on Feb. 27 denouncing the plan. SGA had concerns about Chick-fil-A donating money to anti-gay causes in 2009.
“The decision tonight was based on all of the student feedback we’ve been receiving,” SGA said in a statement posted on Twitter.
In another post, it said, “Student concerns reflected CFA’s history of donating to anti-gay organizations.”
Chick-fil-A, which is based in College Park, Georgia, is known as a conservative Christian company that closes on Sunday and has had trouble gaining access to other colleges. The 2009 complaints stem from the fact that the WinShape Foundation, the charitable arm of Chick-fil-A, gave money to the National Christian Foundation, the Marriage & Family Legacy Fund and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Renata Nyul, a spokesperson for Northeastern University, said in an email that the university is pleased with the outcome.
“We are proud of the decision that affirms our university’s commitment to be an inclusive, diverse community that is respectful of all,” she said. “The successful process is also a testament to the great working relationship between the university administration, the Student Government Association and the Graduate Student Government.”
In a written statement, Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy said his company is not anti-anybody and has no agenda, policy or position against anyone.
“Our agenda is simple: to graciously serve great food and have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A,” he wrote.