While there has been prominent national criticism  of Chick-fil-A due to some of their franchises’ ties to controversial Christian groups, N.C. State students have continued to favor the University’s chicken option.

In January, one of Chick-fil-A’s franchises in Pennsylvania donated food to the Pennsylvania Family Institute for an event emphasizing “traditional” marriages—those defined as being between one man and one woman.

Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays, a tradition it observes to allow employees to spend time with family or worship. It also provides scholarships to students who wish to attend private (and traditionally Christian) Berry College. Throughout its existence, Chick-fil-A has maintained its status as a fast-food chain with obvious religious roots.

According to Chick-fil-A Chief Operating Officer Dan Cathy’s written statement in response to these assertions, the accusations claiming the organization is anti-GLBT are inaccurate.

“In recent weeks, we have been accused of being anti-gay. We have no agenda against anyone. At the heart and soul of our company, we are a family business that serves and values all people regardless of their beliefs or opinions,” Cathy said.

Cathy also called for calm debate on both sides about the issue.

“We also believe in the need for civility in dialogue with others who may have different beliefs,” he said. “While my family and I believe in the Biblical definition of marriage, we love and respect anyone who disagrees.”

Instead, Cathy said Chick-fil-A’s commitment to strengthening marriages comes from a commitment to the community.

“At Chick-fil-A, we have a heart for helping marriages because we know marriage can be difficult at times,” Cathy said. “Through the years, we have supported our Chick-fil-A staff and franchised operators in their marriage journey, and since the formation of our family foundation, the WinShape Foundation, we have helped others as well.”

However, while Cathy said the corporation is heavily invested in helping couples with their marriages and relationships, he does not specifically state whether this applies to non-traditional marriages and families.

“We will not champion any political agendas on marriage and family. This decision has been made, and we understand the importance of it,” Cathy said. “At the same time, we will continue to offer resources to strengthen marriages and families. To do anything different would be inconsistent with our purpose and belief in Biblical principles.”

According to Chick-fil-A, each franchise is independently owned and operated, leaving each decision to donate food or money to any cause or organization up to the owner of the franchise.

“Chick-fil-A, Inc. receives numerous requests of this kind [for sponsorship]; unfortunately, we are not able to honor them through the corporate office. You are welcome to contact the Chick-fil-A restaurant operator closest to the location of your event and discuss the possibility of his or her limited participation,” according to the company’s website.

According to Kelley Brackett, public communication specialist for dining and catering operations, the Chick-fil-A on campus has not only avoided any such criticism, it will grow later this spring.

“University Dining is a franchise owner of a Chick-fil-A in the Atrium Food Court and will be opening another location on Centennial Campus this spring,” Brackett said. “We cannot speak for the Chick-fil-A corporation, but we haven’t seen any backlash from the recent controversy.”

For senior materials science and engineering major Garik Sadovy, this lack of criticism for the University’s franchise is likely due to the nature of the student body looking at the surface of the organization rather than its deeply held values.

“In the fast food industry, the vision and purpose behind food is obscure beyond simply providing cheap and fast food to a consuming nation,” Sadovy said. “The average college student doesn’t have the time or impetus to be concerned with investigating a cause behind their food.”

According to Brackett, Chick-fil-A’s bias – perceived or real – is not reflective of any University employees or representatives.

“University Dining welcomes all students, faculty and staff into all of our locations.  We also welcome anyone to apply to work at our locations. University Dining in no way discriminates against sexual preference, religious preference, race or gender,” Brackett said. ”Chick-fil-A has always been one of our most popular locations and remains one of our most visited retail operations.”