The following memorandum was presented by Darien Flowers, Student Government Association Executive President, during a press conference Oct. 21. Within it, Flowers vetoes legislation that calls for a discontinuation of Elon's ties with Chick-fil-A. The legislation was approved by the SGA Senate in a vote of 35-11 Oct. 11. The memorandum is published exactly as it was given to media.
[box] TO: The Elon University Community
FROM: Darien Flowers, SGA Executive President
DATE: October 17, 2012
SUBJECT: Chick-fil-A legislation
I want to thank all of the members of the Elon community who are here today. Your presence shows how much you care about our University and about each other.
As you know, the Student Government Association senate has passed a resolution calling for the discontinuation of the relationship between Chick-fil-A and Elon University. In accordance with SGA procedure, that resolution has been forwarded to me for my approval and signature, or for my veto.
The discussion and debate leading up to the passage of this Bill has been spirited and sincere among all of those who have taken various sides of this issue. This level of engagement among Elon students has been gratifying to see. I am not surprised because Elon has taught us and encouraged us to be engaged citizens in our community.
My use of the word community is intentional. All of us together constitute the Elon community. As a community, we must learn to and accommodate the views of those in our community that may not necessarily agree with our own. However, let me be clear, our duty to permit the free flow of ideas is not a license for some in our community to threaten, harass, or intimidate others in our community.
I believe that Elon, and each of us, will be better served by taking those steps that support a market place of ideas. I have confidence in each of you will evaluate every idea that is presented and will gravitate toward and support those ideas that are best for the community.
In support of this principle, I want to announce today that I am exercising my constitutional power to veto Senate Bill 12-10.9 In vetoing this Bill, please know that I am taking no position on the mertis of any of the arguments, pro or con, that were expressed during the consideration of SB 12-10.9; However, I am taking a position on my belief that it is the Elon way to let truth, light, and free expression lead us to make the right decisions and to choose the right course for our lives. [/box]