Zoe Kirk

Staff Writer

The new University Center has been awaited by students for years, yet not everyone is excited about all the facilities. One of the main, yet controversial attractions, the new Chick-fil-A. If you have stepped inside the U even once this semester, then you have witnessed the gargantuan line that accumulates almost immediately upon its opening.  

At peak times, students are willing to wait upwards of an hour for their food. It is undeniable that it has quickly become a focal point of campus, something that students have been looking forward to. However, not everyone shares the same excitement for the new addition on campus. 

“The school is responsible for the companies they choose to associate with. It seems as if they did not research the background of the brand before making this decision,” said Ava Molenda, a member of the LGBTQ+ community and Senior at ESU. “While the food is good, it is not worth associating with a company who are known for their homophobic values.”  

While ESU has brought some people their favorite fast-food to school, others are denouncing the universities’ choice of chain. The ESU Facebook account faced criticism when the introduction of Chick-fil-A was posted.

“Bad choice ESU. Guess we know where you stand on LGBT- the wrong side,” said Jim Lyons. Others even stated they will cease donations to the alumni fund.

The chain was deemed anti-LGBTQIA+ many years ago, as according to an article in The Advocate, they openly donated to companies with such views and faced allegations from employees who were discriminated against for their sexualities. Parents and alumni have been quick to condemn the university for their decision to pair with the chain.  

In recent years, the chain has ceased their donations to these controversial foundations, but for many, the damage has been done. Allegations have been made against Chick-fil-A for over a decade for mistreatment of employees, further explained in The Advocate, even ending in a lawsuit for one transgender employee in Georgia.  

The previous CEO made public comments in The Baptist Press, suggesting his opposition of same-sex marriage, raising many concerns for customers. The company has always been openly in support of Christian views, but the discrimination of non-religious employees has caused much controversy around the chain and its consumers.

Despite the negative feedback received online, the restaurant appears to have suffered no shortage of customers at any time throughout their operating hours. The line is rarely less than fifty people, potentially because three out of the four kiosks were out of operation within the first week.   

 As the newness of the facility wears off, only time will tell whether the crowds remain. In the meantime, students will continue to make their own choices about where they eat, and what those choices mean to them.

Whether you eat Chick-fil-A or you don’t, the new University Center has plenty to offer. While those in line to “Eat Mor Chikin,” practice patience, it does leave shorter lines for all of the other food options.