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University of Kansas faculty urge campus to remove ‘bastion of bigotry’ Chick-fil-A

by Chris Mills Rodrigo - 08/29/19 11:39 AM ET

University of Kansas (KU) faculty and staff this week denounced the school’s relationship with Chick-fil-A and called for a boycott of the restaurant.

“KU granted Chick-fil-A, a bastion of bigotry, a prime retail location in the heart of our campus,” the university’s Sexuality & Gender Diversity Faculty and Staff Council wrote in a letter to the school’s chancellor and other university leaders.

{mosads}“Moving Chick-fil-A to the Union and granting it a role at the start of all home football games violates the feelings of safety and inclusion that so many of us have striven to create, foster, and protect on campus, and sends a message that the Union, KU Athletics, and the administration at large are more concerned about money and corporate sponsorship than the physical, emotional, and mental well being of marginalized and LGBTQ people,” they added.

The University of Kansas this year moved the restaurant chain’s location from a basement to a prominent spot in the student union, according to the Kansas City Star.

The school also negotiated a deal for a “Chick-fil-A Coin Toss” at the start of every home football game.

The restaurant chain has been a target of protesters in various parts of the U.S. for its connection to anti-gay groups.

The KU council highlighted Chick-fil-A’s owner’s “history of supporting organizations that are hostile to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people, families, and communities.”

“The culture of Chick-fil-A fosters hate and discrimination on multiple levels. In short, Chick-fil-A on KU’s campus stands in direct contrast to the university’s mission of fostering a multicultural, inclusive environment,” they added.

Chick-fil-A and KU’s chancellor did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Tags Boycott Chick-fil-A Kansas LGBTQ