OPINION
Chick-fil-A’s sponsorship violates core
values, should end
September 7, 2012
BY CATE
SCHURZ
World &
Nation Editor
LONG TIME SPORTS
SPONSOR CHICK-FIL-A'S
RECENT STATEMENTS ARE
FOUND PROBLEMATIC
I chose to attend Guilford because of
those seven flags. You know, the ones that
mark our core values and the principles
we, as an institution, claim to embody.
I was hooked on
equality, diversity,
integrify and the rest
with just one stroll down
the campus front path. I
was told those banners
meant something. I was
k told they were something
greater than words, that
they were a way of life.
Hell, the website even
says, "This is a college
with a strong identity,
ethical commitments and
a vision for the future."
Like many others, I
was saddened this summer to learn of
Chick-fil-A's outrageous contributions to
organizations like Exodus International,
working to "cure" LGBT people one at a
time or to the Family Research Coimcil,
which spent $25,000 lobbying the U.S.
Congress to allow Uganda's "Kill the
Gays" law. I turned to my family and said,
"Guilford students will never continue
supporting the Chick-fil-A near campus
after this news."
But little did I know, Guilford has been
supporting Chick-fil-A and, as a result, its
skewed vdues, for the past 10 years.
On Aug. 23, the Guilford Beacon
released a statement explaining that Chick-
fil-A has supported our institution "with
small cash gifts and products. The last paid
sponsorship was in the 2010-11 academic
year for $750." The school also returns
Chick-fil-A's support by hanging the
company's banner on campus and holding
events with the company.
Now, I feel betrayed by Guilford College.
I was led to believe that our core value
of 'integrity' was worth something, that
It is hypocritical of Guilford
to be in cahoots with a
company that donates
millions to organizations
with missionsto criminalize
homosexuality or legislate
death as the penalty for
loving the person of your
choice.
'community' outweighed the importance
of funding and publicity and that
'equality' and 'diversity' are, in practice,
synonymous.
If you've ever had the core values echoed
in your ear, you may be feeling betrayed
by Guilford, too. As public knowledge, it
has been no secret to Guilford that Chick-
fil-A donates exorbitant sums to groups
that actively fight for the degradation of
human rights. Yet, all the while, Guilford
has twisted our Quaker name with that of a
bigoted corporation.
Tell me, Guilford, since Chick-fil-A has
proven to be so integral to our athletic,
academic and financial communities,
where are their core value flags? Should we
start raising banners with slurs about gays'
inability to successfully raise children? Or
perhaps we should adopt the Chick-fil-A
cow as our second mascot and allow him
to hand out anti-gay literature at sporting
events.
Well, I'm not having it.
The Guilford administration has buried
the truth long enough and I will no longer
stand by and witness Guilford's efforts to
support a company that does not support
my own peers.
"If one believes that Chik-fil-A
represents a devaluing of others, then
there is a responsibility to 'speak truth' to
that concern," says Max Carter, director of
the Friends Center and campus ministry
coordinator.
My truth?
It is hypocritical of Guilford to be in
cahoots with a company that ddnates
millions to organizations with missions
to criminalize homosexuality or legislate
death as the penalty for loving the person
of your choice. I am disappointed in my
educational institution, my administration
and those who have worked to fund
athletics and various programs on campus
without integrity.
"I will...do my best to
offer importial leadership
to the group while paying
very close attention to the
Quaker Testimonies that
guide our Core Values and
to the sentiments of our
community with regard
to issues of gay marriage
and gay rights."
Aaron Fetrow, Vice President
for Student Affairs and Dean of
Students
But with this disappointment comes
forgiveness. Our community now has
an opportunity to right our wrongs and
reclaim our dedication to each other's
rights.
The administration has thoughtfully
created a method of discussion and a
means to confront the issues posed by this
sponsorship. Student Senate President
Hm Leisman '13 told the community
on Wednesday that this issue "must be
resolved by homecoming" and that the
committee "will consider (Chick-fil-A's)
activism while being sensitive to certain
topics."
Vice President for Student Affairs and
Dean of Students Aaron Fetrow's email
response mirrored this sentiment. When
asked about his role in the upcoming
process he said, "I will ... do my best to
offer impartial leadership to the group
while paying very careful attention to
the Quaker Testimonies that guide our
Core Values and to the sentiments of our
community with regard to issues of gay
marriage and gay rights."
Various comers of campus are in
opposition to the athletic program's
sponsorship deal with Chick-fil-A.
A Guilford alum, former athlete and
now a Guilford administrative worker said
in confidence, "I think the core values need
to outweigh this sponsorship. I never really
saw the effects of Chick-fil-A's support as
a baseball player, but I don't think their
values align with ours at all."
His sentiments speak to my own.
This article is not an attack, but rather a
call to action. If you are a student and you
are outraged or confused by the actions of
our beloved college, then I challenge you to
speak your tmth.
This is not an issue about the rights of
corporations, nor is this a discussion about
a CEO's right to voice his opinion or a
company's right to spend its money as it
chooses.
Now, this is about us.
This is about Guilford and values and
being honest and true to ourselves. This
is about maintaining the message that
brought so many students like me to
Guilford College. Respect for all students,
in all circumstances, should be held above
all else.
"I think the corevalues need
to outweigh this sponsorship.
I never really saw the effects
of Chick-fil-A's support as a
baseball player, but I don't
think their values align with
ours at all."
Anonymous Guilford Alum
lliis iel's
Yon owe it
to yourself
to get
involved
It is the start of a new year at
Guilford. Some of us are experiencing
everything for the first time. Others,
with familiarity. No matter your age,
no matter your established roots, this is
a fresh start. A blank canvas. So many
opportunities are placed in front of
us, and now is the perfect time to pick
up the metaphorical brush and paint
yourself in the image of your choosing.
Our school is faced with a serious
budget crisis. Federal and state funding
have been taken away, staff have been
let go and hours of operation have been
cut. We're seeing this firsthand.
Yet despite these shortcomings,
Guilford is unwavering in its decision
to provide any and all financial aid to
eligible students. The College continues
to provide incredible opportunities to
its student body, which is a Godsend in
this economy.
Take a look at the Grill. While we can
complain about a lack of meal variety
on Saturdays, students should also keep
in mind that a budget cut in cafeteria
alternatives means that this school is
not cutting funds elsewhere.
Our clubs, activities and programs
remain intact, and are stronger (budget-
wise) this year than in previous years.
Guilford has added a January term,
and as a result has increased study
abroad opportunities.
The Bryan Series continues to bring
in some of the most influential men and
women from across the globe.
We as students can give back to
Guilford by taking advantage of the
amazing opportunities provided to us.
Take courses that have nothing
to do with your major. Explore the
J-Term possibilities. Establish lasting
relationships with peers and professors.
Expand your worldview by studying
abroad. Join clubs, attend school-
sponsored programs. Learn new things.
Find new passions.
This is a unique time in your life where
your full-time job is to experiment,
explore, learn and grow. So do your job
and have fun with it.
Refleqing Guilford College's core Quaker
VALUES, THE TOPIG AND CONTENT OF STAFF
EdITORIAG ARE CHOSEN THROUGH CONSENSUS OF
ALL 15 EDITORS.