Controversy surrounding the restaurant chain Chick-fil-A is sparking discussion across the country, and Ball State is no exception.
Some students and alumni joined the debate by starting a petition to try to have the Atrium restaurant removed.
The alumnus who started the petition, Fernando Rubio, said he wants to see Ball State continue to welcome students of all backgrounds, and doesn't think that is possible when the university allows a restaurant whose president is against gay rights.
The restaurant's president Dan Cathy recently announced that he and his family, who run the business, are against same-sex marriage. The company has also given money to Christian organizations that some critics view as anti-gay, according to the Huffington Post.
Rubio, who graduated in 2011, doesn't want the money students are paying for tuition to support an organization that declares such a controversial position.
"[Chick-fil-A's representatives] have a right to say what they want to say, but we shouldn't let our money fund these groups," Rubio said. "If they are funding food banks, that's one thing, but if they are funding anti-LGBT groups, then they shouldn't be using our profits."
Ball State spokesperson Tony Proudfoot said the university is not aware of any discrimination regarding hiring or serving all customers equally. If that were the case, the university would react against the restaurant that has been on campus for 11 years.
"We are actively and strongly committed to diversity. We value a campus culture that welcomes a broad spectrum of beliefs, ideas and opinions," Proudfoot said in a response.
He said it is ultimately up to the students to make decisions on where to spend their money.
"The most effective way for the campus community to express their position about Chick-fil-A - or any vendor - is by choosing whether to buy their products or not," Proudfoot said. "This is a learning opportunity for our students. They have the power to choose. We all vote with our wallets. In this case, we don't feel it is appropriate for the university to make the choice for our students, faculty and staff."
Sophomore Mitch Ashby said he agrees with his school's position and doesn't feel it is appropriate for Ball State to get involved with the issue.
"I believe these students have the right to boycott the business, and others have the right to support it. If Ball State chose to get rid of Chick-Fil-A, then the university itself would be biased toward one side of the argument," the social work major said. "I believe [Chick-fil-A's president] is entitled to his personal and religious beliefs, regardless of whether or not he shares them with some students."
The makers of the petition also started a Facebook group to raise awareness. As of August 8, the petition had 724 signatures. Proudfoot said he could not speculate over what would happen if the petition gained a larger amount of signatures.
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