People are tired of this conversation. We started talking about Chick-fil-A on Elon University’s campus before the 2012-2013 school year even started. Students, faculty, staff and administration have had the opportunity to voice their opinions and the Board of Trustees released their decision to keep Chick-fil-A on Elon’s campus but have it moved to McEwen. So the conversation is finally over, right?
The Board of Trustees stated one of their reasons for keeping Chick-fil-A was because it promoted the inclusion of all types of thoughts and beliefs. Students argued Elon would be limiting itself and excluding anyone with different beliefs if we removed Chick-fil-A. I’ll be honest and say I struggled with this argument for a long time. It sounds like a great argument. It sounds like something that Elon students, alumni and donors want to hear – “We are inclusive of all beliefs.” But where are we willing to draw the line?
How can we argue we are keeping Chick-fil-A for the sake of “true” inclusivity when the respect of one group’s opinion comes at the cost of another group’s dignity and well being? When the decision was released, a rush of emails came to those involved in the process offering support groups, and a sincere outreach effort was made. If the decision had been to remove Chick-fil-A, would students have needed that type of support? Would they have needed to spend the evening together to cope with the news?
People may read this and laugh. “It’s a chicken sandwich, get over it.” If only it were that easy. For those who think we are being too sensitive about this issue or blowing it out of proportion, I only have one request: Please do not discount how we are feeling. We are hurt and we do not need to justify that pain to people who choose not to see it. Do you not believe we are hurt because you truly do not understand, or because you do not want to understand? I urge you to reflect on your privilege in being able to write off the emotions of a minority. I appeal to you to hear our cries for help. What else can we do to help you see our pain? What can we do to make it “real” enough for you to believe?
So to answer my question: No. The conversation about Chick-fil-A cannot be over. It will not be over because every day I know there is a vendor on my campus that is making my friends feel less-than, every day I see someone laugh at me as they purchase their chicken sandwich, every day my peers hide and crawl further into the closet, I will fight. Having privilege does not mean you are lucky enough to avoid the pain and misfortune of the minority; it means you have the responsibility to ensure that equity is established. That is inclusion.