The principal of Ventura High School in California banned the football booster club from selling Chick-Fil-A sandwiches for a back-to-school fundraiser. Principal Val Wyatt cites the fast food chain CEO's stance on gay rights as the reason.
"We value inclusivity and diversity on our campus and all of our events and activities are going to adhere to our mission," said Wyatt.
The principal is referring to Dan Cathy's stance on gay marriage. Though the CEO didn't say anything directly opposing gay rights or gay marriage, he said in an interview in 2012, "We are very much supportive of the family - the biblical definition of the family unit."
The local Chick-Fil-A franchise owner Robert Shaffer vowed to donate 2000 sandwiches to the football club for the back-to-school event. The store has a long history of support for the school, and they expected to raise at least $21,000 during the fundraising event.
The football team's coach said the money can buy the team's uniforms and food for the boys since they do not charge the players to be part of the football team.
The principal broke the news a few days before the event that they won't allow the selling of Chick-Fil-A sandwiches in the back-to-school night.
"With their political stance on gay rights and because the students of Ventura High School and their parents would be at the event, I didn't want them on campus," said Wyatt on why they deem the sandwiches to be offensive.
Tuddy Tuttle Ariaga, Ventura Unified School District superintendent, said the organization supports the principal's decision.
Parents and students were furious about the decision and said that Chick-Fil-A should be allowed in the event.
Shaffer said that their store does not discriminate against the LGBT community. "We treat everyone who walks through our doors, regardless of their religion or sexual orientation, with honor, dignity and respect," said the franchise owner.
The ban was lifted and Chick-Fil-A will continue to donate to the school.
