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The spring semester of 2019 has been marked with the debate of whether or not to remove Chick-fil-A from Revolve.
Revolve is one of the dining options in the Coates University Center. Food served at Revolve changes every day, including Luciano's, Panda Express, and Which Wich.
In fall 2018, Chick-fil-A became one of the options at Revolve. It was chosen to be included through a student survey. In other words, the majority of the Trinity’s student body voted to have Chick-fil-A as part of Revolve.
At the beginning of spring 2019, the press revealed that the Chick-fil-A corporation donated to organizations that have historically been opposed to the LGBTQ+ community. Their donations to various organizations were reflected in their 2016 tax returns, which was published by the media.
Revolve is one of the dining options in the Coates University Center. Food served at Revolve changes every day, including Luciano's, Panda Express, and Which Wich.
In fall 2018, Chick-fil-A became one of the options at Revolve. It was chosen to be included through a student survey. In other words, the majority of the Trinity’s student body voted to have Chick-fil-A as part of Revolve.
At the beginning of spring 2019, the press revealed that the Chick-fil-A corporation donated to organizations that have historically been opposed to the LGBTQ+ community. Their donations to various organizations were reflected in their 2016 tax returns, which was published by the media.
Chick-fil-A claimed they would stop donating to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations. However, the ripple effect of this revelation was already in motion. Some Trinity students decided to boycott eating at Revolve on Chick-fil-A days, and even boycott the restaurant in general. The university therefore faced a choice: to continue or discontinue Chick-fil-A at Revolve.
On April 17, the Student Government Association (SGA) held a forum to allow students to express their views regarding the issue. Dean of Students David Tuttle headed the meeting. “This is your chance to be activist and your chance to have your voices heard,” he said. (Tuttle did not respond to interview request for this story)
A variety of opinions were shared at the forum. Some students were of the view that "it is just chicken" and that others were over complicating the issue. On the other side of the spectrum, some believed that by serving Chick-fil-A at Revolve, Trinity does not support those who identify as LGBTQ+.
A junior psychology major who requested to remain anonymous said that it's her belief that it was inappropriate for Trinity to remove Chick-fil-A. "That's not how the real world works. Instead of taking it away for everyone, you could have simply chosen to not eat there. Just because something makes you uncomfortable does not mean it should go away."
In contrast, junior Rosie Davis said, "It’s important for a university to address and support their students, even if that means going against the majority [heterosexuals]." She added, "Also, the straight people on campus who are annoyed because it is 'just chicken' need to get over it and realize the privilege they’re speaking from."
There are also students who are trying to find a middle ground, such as senior Joel Homes. "Although I eat at Chick-fil-A, if it is a company that has values which threaten the safety of a population of students, it should not be something the university continues to support,” he said. “Individual patrons, such as myself, can go to Chick-fil-A on their own time and off-campus. "
On Wednesday, May 1, the SGA passed a resolution that recommended Chick-fil-A to be removed from Revolve. In an email sent on May 3 to the student body, SGA President Ty Tinker announced this resolution and explained that the decision for SGA's recommendation was important. "It is the job of the Senate to keep its finger on the pulse of student interests," the email says. The resolution itself states that "Trinity is a university that emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion," and in order for some students to feel included, Chick-fil-A should be removed as a dining option on Trinity's campus.
The recommendation will be sent to the university administration, which will make the final decision.
On April 17, the Student Government Association (SGA) held a forum to allow students to express their views regarding the issue. Dean of Students David Tuttle headed the meeting. “This is your chance to be activist and your chance to have your voices heard,” he said. (Tuttle did not respond to interview request for this story)
A variety of opinions were shared at the forum. Some students were of the view that "it is just chicken" and that others were over complicating the issue. On the other side of the spectrum, some believed that by serving Chick-fil-A at Revolve, Trinity does not support those who identify as LGBTQ+.
A junior psychology major who requested to remain anonymous said that it's her belief that it was inappropriate for Trinity to remove Chick-fil-A. "That's not how the real world works. Instead of taking it away for everyone, you could have simply chosen to not eat there. Just because something makes you uncomfortable does not mean it should go away."
In contrast, junior Rosie Davis said, "It’s important for a university to address and support their students, even if that means going against the majority [heterosexuals]." She added, "Also, the straight people on campus who are annoyed because it is 'just chicken' need to get over it and realize the privilege they’re speaking from."
There are also students who are trying to find a middle ground, such as senior Joel Homes. "Although I eat at Chick-fil-A, if it is a company that has values which threaten the safety of a population of students, it should not be something the university continues to support,” he said. “Individual patrons, such as myself, can go to Chick-fil-A on their own time and off-campus. "
On Wednesday, May 1, the SGA passed a resolution that recommended Chick-fil-A to be removed from Revolve. In an email sent on May 3 to the student body, SGA President Ty Tinker announced this resolution and explained that the decision for SGA's recommendation was important. "It is the job of the Senate to keep its finger on the pulse of student interests," the email says. The resolution itself states that "Trinity is a university that emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion," and in order for some students to feel included, Chick-fil-A should be removed as a dining option on Trinity's campus.
The recommendation will be sent to the university administration, which will make the final decision.
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