At a University which takes pride in the diversity of its student population, proclaiming that it is “Worlds Ahead,” the perfect opportunity to bring justification to its beloved catchphrase has finally presented itself.
On July 16, Dan Cathy, the COO of Chick-fil-A made remarks as a representative of Chick-fil-A denouncing same sex marriages – comments that have created quite a commotion throughout the country.
However, this hasn’t been the first instance that Chick-fil-A has taken a stance against same sex marriage.
It is also notorious for making contributions to anti-LGBT organizations, such as Focus on the Family whose mission statement reads, “We believe sex is given by God as an expression of love to be shared and enjoyed exclusively between a husband and wife.”
For years the University has opened its doors to students and faculty from the LGBT community, allowing for on-campus organizations and events being funded with University dollars.
However, in a 2011 LGBT Campus Climate Index survey, the University ranked especially low compared to other state public institutions, with a rating of 2.5 out of 5.
The purpose of the survey is to showcase how welcoming of an environment the University is to a much-discriminated group.
The rating the University got in itself is nothing to be proud of, especially given that South Florida has one of the largest LGBT populations in the country.
However, the University can now come out and stand with the LGBT community and say “no” to organizations that promote ideals that could be considered hateful.
We recommend that the University seek out an alternative food vendor to replace the Chick-fil-A that is located in PG5 as a means of standing in solidarity with University members of the LGBT community and to send the message to the community that the University will not be associated with any organization that promotes or supports any form of discrimination or hatred.
By allowing Chick-fil-A to keep conducting business on campus the University is sending the wrong message that regardless of what your views may be, and whom you might be alienating, you are more than welcome to conduct business at the University as long as it generates a sizable profit.
Is that really the message a “Worlds Ahead” university is trying to portray?
The Beacon hopes it isn’t. And if it is what the University is trying to say, then we’re sorry but we’re ashamed of the direction the Administration is attempting to maintain.
For the opposing view, visit http://fiusm.com/2012/08/02/editorial-stop-it-its-just-a-sandwich/
Should we also get rid of the Christian/Muslim student organizations that congregate on FIU’s campus? Since many of those students believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
Don’t think that would be very “Worlds Ahead”
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Would @FIU:twitter really be “Worlds Ahead” if they denied Chick-Fil-A’s 1st Amendment right?
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Would @FIU:twitter really be “Worlds Ahead” if they denied Chick-Fil-A’s 1st Amendment right?