WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WTHR) — Purdue University is responding to people trying to keep a Chick-fil-A from coming to campus.
The restaurant is supposed to go into the first floor of a new residence hall.
Some faculty, staff and students don't want Chick-fil-A on campus, citing the CEO of the company's stance against same-sex marriage.
Campus leaders say students have wanted a Chick-fil-A for a long time.
Purdue University issued a statement in response to the opposition on Friday saying there was overwhelming demand for the restaurant.
The franchisee, a Purdue graduate, has also signed a commitment of equal access and treatment in both her employment and service practices.
"We would not be promoting choice and freedom by depriving thousands of people in our community of a choice they have long sought and are already taking advantage of in large numbers. And, we would not be practicing inclusion by excluding a completely legitimate business and its staff from our campus."
Purdue University said the reason for making the statement is "to dispel any impression that Purdue would ever seriously consider" denying Chick-fil-A from coming to the campus.
A Purdue Student Government Senator also issued a statement to Eyewitness News.
"Given the recent news of a confirmed Chick-fil-A being built in the new Third Street Suites North, and the subsequent pushback from some students and the University Senate, my colleague Joshua David and I wish to issue the attached statement to clarify the situation to the student body and our views on the matter as representatives of the student body," Student Government Senator Zach Stewart said.
In Stewart and David's statement they say in part:
"We want to emphasize that a clear majority of Purdue students—not to mention faculty, staff, and alumni—want to see a Chick-fil-A on campus. [...] Acting against the clear and overwhelming wishes of the student body would be a poor display of governance on the part of the Purdue Student Government."
To read their full statement, click here.
