New York University is an oasis for Western and Southern American transplants who crave their Chick-fil-A. Opening up a couple years back, the 5 University Place location in Weinstein Hall is the only one in New York City. (The nearest one appears to be Monmouth Mall in Eatontown, New Jersey.) But then along came the chicken company’s support of the Pennsylvania Family Institute’s marriage seminars, and the liberals at the school threw up their arms and demanded the eatery be kicked out. Standing in the way: contracts with the school that likely don’t include a morality clause. But NYU’s food vendor deal with Chick-fil-A is up in May, and a group of students is on a mission to ensure it doesn’t get renewed.
Joe Picini, a senior communications major, writes to tell us about tomorrow’s Undergraduate Social Work Student Association meeting about Chick-fil-A’s future on campus (6-7pm at NYU’s Kimmel Student Center!), which he’s put together with some fellow students.
Basically, I have been spearheading the effort to remove Chick-fil-A from campus here at NYU. I’ve used the proper avenues and have moved this issue all the way through the administration to the highest level it can go: The University Senate. The University Senate, which is made up of all the deans, faculty members, John Sexton and various other university officials, has assigned the investigation of Chick-fil-A to the Public Affairs Committee that will begin reviewing this issue starting next year.
Our food vendor contract is up this May, which is why this is an urgent issue. I am trying to put as much pressure as possible on the University to examine this issue and make a ruling at their final meeting of this year (April 28). Currently, the Chick-fil-A investigation is not on the agenda.
The event will be a community discussion with past graduates of NYU who have backgrounds in marketing and spiritual life. I will be presenting my findings that got this issue started in the first place as well as sit on the panel and educate people about what’s really going on with Chick-fil-A. As far as most people are concerned, the only offense CFA has committed was donate some sandwiches to a Pennsylvania Family Institute event.
Of course the last time the NYU kids tried getting everyone riled up about Chick-fil-A, few people much cared.
I Love Chick-fil-A
Whateverr…..they can leave NYU…..just open more locations in Southern California please!
I can’t wait for the West Hollywood area Chick-fil-A to open later this year — at Sunset Blvd. & Highland! It will only be 2 blocks away from the L.A. Gay & Lesbian center.
Hmm….I’m hungry……I think I will go to Chick-fil-A for lunch. I just hate driving all the way out to Santa Clarita.
Rafi D'Angelo
It won’t happen.
That Chic Fil A has almost cult-like status amongst NYers transplanted from the South who will make the trek all the way downtown and slum it with college students in their dining hall for a chicken sandwich and some waffle fries.
DJ
I’d be pissed if I went to NYU and they did that. Chic-Fil-A is AMAZING!
Phil
Chic-Fil-A is mediocre at best. I can not for the life of me understand why people around me love it so much.
Zeus
@Rafi D’Angelo: I’ve never seen anyone at that chick-fil-a that wasn’t a student (or at least looked like one).
Michael
I can’t believe so many of you are pro-Chick-fil-a. I refuse to eat there
Rafi D'Angelo
@Zeus: How hard is it to look like a student? I doubt anyone would stroll through in a 3piece suit.
Shannon1981
@Michael: I am with you there. I cannot believe people put a fucking chicken sandwich above what is right.
James
Michael and Shannon, are you two insane? Do you know how much CFA have donated to scholarships, kids’ cancer research, after school youth programs, family events, and much more? You are hating them because their owner is a Christian and held values that you do not agree with? Are you saying that CFA and all of its good deeds for the community should go away, simply because you do not personally agree with ONE of their deeds?
Mike
Chick-fil-a is over-salted, over-cooked crap.
wadingo
I go to NYU and am gay, but I love Chick-fil-A. Look, Chick-fil-A supports local communities. I’m sure if NYU queer groups requested support from Chick-fil-A, like providing food for events, they wouldn’t be turned away. Plus, they’d piss of a bunch of students who are otherwise supportive of the gay rights movement.
JusticeontheRocks
@James: Yes, that’s what they’re saying. The KKK used to give scholarships and help “worthy” (white, non-Jewish) families. That stuff doesn’t give you a pass on bigotry. So, yes, the grease pits should go away and if you support them so should you.
@wadingo: Your incoherent remarks remind me that we shouldn’t judge college students until they get out in the real world.
BlondeBomber
Man, Chick-fil-a was one of the best places to eat in New York ! 😛 – for a college aged kid that is! So, maybe its not the finest quality, but it’s the little things right.