University campuses are joining political leaders and LGBT activists in criticizing the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain's outspoken stand against gay marriage.
Today, Emory University, known as one of the most LGBT-inclusive universities in the Southeast, issued a statement about the fast-food chain having a restaurant in the campus food court at Cox Hall. From Senior Vice President and Dean of Campus Life Dr. Ajay Nair:
Emory University has a long history of creating access, inclusion, and equity for Emory’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer students, faculty, staff and alumni. Recent public statements by Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A, do not reflect Emory’s values as an institution.
Nevertheless, freedom of expression and an open exchange of ideas are also central tenets of the Emory community. Emory therefore respects the right of people to express their disagreement with Mr. Cathy by not patronizing Chick-fil-A. Emory’s vision statement calls for us to be 'internationally recognized as an inquiry-driven, ethically engaged, and diverse community, whose members work collaboratively for positive transformation in the world through courageous leadership in teaching, research, scholarship, health care, and social action.