University says no to Chick-fil-A over "corporate values"

NEW JERSEY (FOX5NY) - Rider University in New Jersey says that Chick-fil-A is not welcome on campus due to its "widely perceived" corporate values.

The university president sent a letter to the student body saying that Chick-fil-A was removed from a survey for students to let the administration know which restaurants they would like to see on campus.

Gregory G. Dell'Omo said that the chicken sandwich chain was not going to be on the list, "based on the company's record widely perceived to be in opposition to the LGBTQ+ community."

Chick-fil-A has been criticized over CEO Dan Cathy's views on same-sex marriage. In 2012, he came out in defense of the traditional definition of marriage and expressed views critical of same-sex marriage stemming from his Christian faith.

Dell'Omo said, "Ultimately, we decided to lean in the direction of creating a welcoming environment where differences can be appreciated and where each individual can expect to experience dignity and respect."

He also claimed that excluding Chick-fil-A was so the faculty could be "faithful to our values of inclusion."

Dell'Omo say the decision was "imperfect" and the school was going to hold a forum so the university "can grow from this experience."

He also said, "we believe strongly in the open exchange of ideas and positions — especially around a complex issue such as this one."

But that debate won't take place at a Chick-fil-A restaurant, at least not on campus.