Thursday Elon University's Student Government Association voted 35-11 in favor of a proposed resolution against Chick-fil-A's presence in the Lakeside Dining Hall on campus. The move has attracted attention from national and media organizations, but has not accurately represented the resolution and the university's rationale for voting in favor of the student-authored legislation.
National media organizations have published articles that indicate Elon University has severed ties with Chick-fil-A because of COO Dan Cathy's views on gay marriage. The Charlotte Observer ran the Associated Press story that incorrectly stated "A North Carolina university’s student government has voted to ban a Chick-fil-A restaurant on campus because the fast-food chain’s president is against gay marriage" and reported in error that Duke University has cut ties with the restaurant because of president Dan Cathy's anti-gay rhetoric.
Since the initial publication, the organization has ran a correction informing Duke University's business relations terminated because of renovations, but the lead still attributes Elon SGA's decision to Cathy's position regarding gay marriage.
In actuality, the resolution developed because Chick-fil-A's charitable branch, Winshape, donates to anti-gay groups.
Despite the vote in favor of the resolution, SGA does not represent the university's final decision regarding the establishment's presence on campus. Darien Flowers, SGA executive president, can veto the vote, and the ultimate decision rests with Elon's senior staff.
More accurate information regarding Elon's relationship with Chick-fil-A has also appeared in the Huffington Post and The Business Journal.
We challenge you to be mindful of what is published about your university and challenge incorrect information.