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Despite Protest Against Anti-Gay Chick-fil-A , NYU Student Council Sides With Bad Chicken
By
James Thilman
Published Mar 1, 2012
Modified Mar 1, 2012
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By
James Thilman
Published Mar 1, 2012
Modified Mar 1, 2012
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New York University students gathered en masse this afternoon in front of Weinstein Residence Hall on University Place to protest Chick-fil-A's donations to anti-gay organizations. A petition authored by freshman Hillary Dworkoski has already collected nearly 11,000 signatures in support of the restaurants removal from campus.
The company—whose only New York location is located within a NYU dorm—has donated nearly $2 million to controversial Christian organizations and Dworkoski believes that violates the university's non-discrimination policy. "Gay rights are human rights and Chick-fil-A donates millions of dollars to hate groups. Is that the kind of reputation we want at one of the most LGBT friendly colleges in the country? I don't think it is."
A number of counter-protesters purchased sandwiches from the polarizing poultry purveyor and set up camp just down the block. "I love gay rights and I'm not anti-gay. I'm just pro-chicken," said one NYU student through a mouth full of Chick-fil-A. The student, flanked by two camera shy classmates also chomping on chicken, declined to give his name. Holding a sign that read "Chicken Tastes Better Than Equality," he explained that he and his friends had argued as to whether or not their counter-demonstration should include "just a little bit of homophobia."
"They're only helping our cause," said freshman Mackenzie Taylor who was one of the first to arrive at the rally this afternoon with sophomore Paul Funkhouser. "They just look stupid and people will want to know what it's about. They're just rallying more people to our cause, so I thank them for that," added Funkhouser.
Andrew Borst, Vice President of the NYU College Republicans did not agree with efforts to ban Chick-fil-from campus. "I identify as gay, but I don't have a problem with Chick-fil-A," he said while eating a crispy chicken sandwich. "People who try to demonize others is what's bringing this country down. If they don't like who they donate money to then they have the right to buy their food elsewhere, but to say it should be removed from campus is hypocritical. NYU is about celebrating diversity and that means we should keep companies with different ideas to encourage debate."
NYU Local reports that New York University Student Senators Council released a statement this afternoon stating that they had reviewed the matter and Chick-fil-A is here to stay. In an email to the student body, the SSC explained, "There is a fundamental difference between personal boycott and institutional prohibition. To ban any entity from campus for ideological reasons is, in most every case, to limit freedom of expression."
"It's disappointing," said Dworkoski of the SSC's decision, "but this isn't over. Chick-fil-A continues to give money to groups that are known to spread lies about gay people which fundamentally violates the core values here at NYU. I don't want my school to fund hate."
Similar protests at Northeastern University in Boston were successful in keeping Chick-fil-A off campus. On Monday, the Student Government Association senators voted 31 to 5, stifling a proposal to bring fast food eatery to the student center.
Tagged
chick-fil-a
fast food
gay rights
greenwich village
NYU
petition
James Thilman
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