In the wake of the Vendor Policy Study Committee’s decision to keep Chick-fil-A on campus, it would seem the grueling and contentious debate over its legitimacy at Elon University has finally reached a conclusion. The Chick-fil-A controversy had been polarizing Elon’s student body and faculty for almost the entire school year, and undoubtedly the committee’s ruling will still upset many. But whether you agree or disagree with the decision, it’s important to step back from the controversy and realize just how much time, effort and resources have been channeled into an argument over keeping a fast-food restaurant on campus.
The Student Government Association spent a copious amount of time debating the controversy. It hosted a public forum, convened many meetings and issued two rulings concerning Chick-fil-A. The university struggled to maintain its public image during the debate, emanating from the pressure it received from the student body, donors and those who hold influence. The student body held many protests concerning the cause, and even some faculty became involved. After countless emails and statements from the Board of Trustees and President Lambert, the university decided to create a committee to issue a final, objective ruling.
It’s no surprise Elon is dedicated to creating a campus climate centered upon the great pillars of inclusivity and tolerance. But just how far will it go to ensure this mission? This past year speaks for itself. The impetus behind the emotional fervor surrounding the Chick-fil-A controversy was fueled by high octane political correctness, which can often obfuscate the frivolous into seeming highly significant.
Many believe the crux of the debate wasn’t about something as facile as keeping a restaurant on campus, but the battle of principles behind the issue, which included perceived discrimination versus freedom of speech and expression. Even so, the cause these principles defended seemed greatly exaggerated and misconstrued.
Debates like this shouldn’t have to arise in the first place. Is it not silly and nonsensical to perceive a chicken sandwich and waffle fries as symbols of hate and intolerance? Yes, Dan Cathy made statements against same-sex marriage. Yes, Chick-fil-A supports the Winshape Foundation, which donates money to anti-gay groups. But how have both of these facts affected students being served food equally on campus? How is the existence of Chick-fil-A a grave threat to Elon’s crusade for tolerance?
Political correctness is a retardant to reason and logic, and this past year, it has insatiably consumed this campus’s time and resources. It is unsettling to witness college students and Americans as a whole feel empowered by attacking or defending a fast-food restaurant chain with righteous indignation. Think about the thousands of Americans that ate chicken sandwiches to show their support for freedom of speech or disdain for LGBTQ activists! Hoo-rah! These are the problems we face in the first world.