Purdue University Statement on Chick-fil-A

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue will continue to welcome Chick-fil-A to our campus given the overwhelming demand for their service from students, staff, and faculty. 

While we respect and protect the rights of all to express their opinions at Purdue, this clarification is intended to reassure our students and others that this long-requested dining option will not be taken from them and to dispel any impression that Purdue would ever seriously consider such an action. 

Like all Purdue vendors, the young woman franchisee, a Purdue graduate, has signed and observed a commitment of equal access and treatment in her employment and service practices. We would not be promoting choice and freedom by depriving thousands of people in our community of a choice they have long sought and are already taking advantage of in large numbers.  And, we would not be practicing inclusion by excluding a completely legitimate business and its staff from our campus.

Additional Statement from Dr. John Gates, Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion: 

We are fortunate to be a campus that embraces excellence through diversity and freedom of expression and choice for all people. The Chick-fil-A operator on campus is bound by Purdue’s non-discrimination policy statement, and we look forward to them respecting our institutional core values of integrity, honor, respect, inclusion, innovation and growth.