Some students want to kick Chick-fil-A off App State's campus

BOONE, N.C. — So far, more than 500 students at Appalachian State University have signed a petition asking the university to sever ties with Chick-fil-A.

The fast-food restaurant has a location at the central dining hall on the school’s campus.

Student Ashley Campbell said she would be willing to sign the petition asking the university to end its relationship with Chick-fil-A. Already, she said, she and some of her college friends have decided they will no longer eat there.

“They're just not being tolerant of other people’s beliefs and their freedoms. They've lost my business,” Campbell said.

The restaurant at the dining hall is closed right now during the break before fall classes. Some students are urging university leaders to keep it closed.

But in a statement released Thursday, the university said, “There is nowhere better to facilitate challenging discussions about important issues than a university campus… Appalachian respects the right of consumers to make their own thoughtful choices consistent with their values.”

Rashad McEachern said he believes Chick-fil-A shouldn't be punished for the company's president expressing his beliefs.

“The man should be able to speak his voice,” McEachern said.

Brennan Turner said he will still eat there.

“I also think that it is constitutional right to be able to have a company policy as long as it doesn't infringe on the rights of other people,” he said.

But other students said when classes start back later this month, there will be a fight over whether the restaurant stays or goes.

“If people continue to boycott and not eat those products, then they might possibly pull it out and replace it with something different,” Ashley Crane said.

The university said the workers there are employed by ASU and are committed to Appalachian's respect for diversity and inclusion.

Full statement from Appalachian State University:

“In recent weeks, there has been much national discussion concerning statements made by Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy. Similar discussions are also happening on our campus and in our community. At Appalachian, we recognize and support the importance of robust and respectful discussion on the issues that affect our campus, state, nation and world. There is nowhere better to facilitate challenging discussions about important issues than a university campus where students are preparing to become the leaders of tomorrow. Appalachian respects the right of consumers to make their own thoughtful choices consistent with their values.

As stated in our mission, 'Appalachian recognizes that the success of the university depends upon the achievement and cooperation of a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff and strives to implement policies and allocate resources accordingly.' Staff working in the Chick-fil-A area of our dining hall are university employees and are committed to Appalachian's respect for diversity and inclusion.”

WSOC