Principal rejects free Chick-Fil-A lunch for teachers to support LGBTQ staffers
Turning down anything free isn’t easy. And free Chick-fil-A? Even tougher with their new macaroni and cheese and famous chicken sandwich. However, for a Louisiana charter school, declining the offer of complimentary lunch from the fast-food chain was an easy decision.
Recently, Lusher Charter School was offered gratuitous Chik-Fil-A lunches for its teachers from the Louisiana College Football Foundation, but principal Steven Corbett turned down the donation “to support our staff members who are LGBTQ,” noting that the chicken-centric company has infringed upon LGBTQ individuals’ rights.
“The number one rule at Lusher is to ‘Be Kind’ and we live this motto every day,” Corbett said in a statement, WWL-TV reports (Yahoo Lifestyle has reached out for comment and will report if we hear back). “Chick-Fil-A has been politically outspoken about its views, and we feel it is not part of Lusher’s culture of kindness and community.”
In #Nola @LusherPride (Lusher Charter School) is declining free lunches for staff on Friday because the meals are from @ChickfilA and the school wants to be ‘sensitive to the LGBTQ 🏳??🌈 community’ - Principal Steven Corbett 👇
More on this @wdsu at 4/5/6. pic.twitter.com/lbEKr1oAeF— Travers Mackel (@TraversWDSU) October 10, 2019
Dan Cathy, the son of Chick-Fil-A's founder and its current CEO, has been criticized in the past for his homophobic comments and views on gay marriage. Cathy has also been called out for donating millions of dollars to groups that openly push anti-LGBTQ agendas. According to Vox, in 2010 alone, Cathy donated more than $1.9 million to anti-gay groups, including Marriage and Family, a group that opposes gay marriage and divorce, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, an athletic organization that requires those who apply to sign a "sex purity statement" to condemn their perceived notion of the LGBTQ community living an "impure lifestyle."
Reactions to Corbett’s decision are mixed.
Many supported the move on Twitter.
that's awesome, we need more of them!
— Michael Giardino (@MJGiardino) October 10, 2019
@LusherPride STAND UP! ??🧡💛💚💙💜
— I am Me 🌈📘🏳??🌈 (@mymaddescent) October 10, 2019
Lusher, your community supports and thanks you in this effort!
— Jonathan Gerhardt (@spikenola) October 10, 2019
I am proud to see this, taking a stand for equality. Good on you @LusherPride, you are setting a wonderful example for the children at your school. Accept all, love all ?
— SuperPotatoCat (@ubatuber) October 10, 2019
On Facebook, Brandi Lotz wrote, “Setting a great example to his students.” Alyisen Gisleson, a self-described proud parent of 3 Lusher graduates, said, “thanks, Mr. Corbett!”
This is not supportive of all people. What about my faith? Support should also be for the Christian!!!!
— Alicia (@awnolanurse90) October 10, 2019
Damn! Might want to remove your kids from the school. These ppl are teaching the future.
— Nikki Venable Brooks (@NikkiVbrooks) October 10, 2019
One fool making a decision for many
— mike vernace (@bayougame) October 10, 2019
ChickfilA might have certain opinions that dont jive with those of the LGBTQ community, but they respect their opinions, and serve everyone. Whats sad is that this my-way-or-die, mentality that is tearing this country apart, thrives here at Lusher Charter School. Shame on them.
— Janell (@janelly6512) October 10, 2019
Stephen Harrell was also in the questioning camp, sharing: “Don’t you think teachers have a rough enough time without denying them a generous offer of gratitude.” Ruth Necaise offered a diplomatic opinion reminiscent of Ellen DeGeneres saying, “Everyone has opinions, but kindness should not be denied.” Jennifer Post Genaro called the situation ridiculous, adding, “Accept a gift with thanksgiving and praise. Very rude to the foundation that paid for the food.”
According to WDSU, Corbett emailed staff letting them know his decision and that they would be provided another free lunch.
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