Here’s is WVU’s statement on Chick-Fil-A:

WVU officials respect the opinions, expressed by many, objecting to the personal comments by Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy regarding same sex marriage. We take those opinions seriously and respect everyone’s right to open dialogue and debate around issues of equality and respect.

WVU’s Chick-fil-A restaurant in the Mountainlair is an independent contractor which sells the food chain’s product line. The franchise is therefore owned and operated by WVU—and all workers are WVU employees, subject to the policies and procedures of this campus.

Those policies and practices are dedicated to promoting a campus environment that supports opportunity, equality, civility and respect for all people. Discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation or gender will not be tolerated now or in the future.

WVU’s contract with Chick-fil-A runs through 2015. WVU entered into that contract supported by a student-driven survey which overwhelmingly favored the product. At the contract’s conclusion, University officials will reassess the relationship.

In the interim, WVU will, as always, support and encourage the rights of all members of our community to open dialogue, discussion and debate on all issues.

-WVU-