Christians Need Not Apply.
That’s essentially the message Rider University sent by refusing to allow Chick-fil-A to open a restaurant location on campus.
Although claiming to be “inclusive” – Rider’s bias against Christians shows the deep underlying prejudice radical leftist school officials tend to have against traditional Christian values.
And while Rider thought they “won the battle” to silence Christian beliefs, nothing could prepare the University for the public backlash they were about to receive.
You see, the former Dean of the College of Business at Rider University, who happened to be a Christian woman, refused to desecrate the name of Jesus Christ. And like a beacon of light in the darkness, she stood up for traditional Christian values in the most incredible way.
It all started when Rider University wanted to install a new fast food joint on campus. In an attempt to appear “student friendly” they decided to survey the students to find out what they wanted.
Well it’s no surprise the student body overwhelmingly voted for Chick-fil-A. I mean let’s be honest, what college student doesn’t like Chick-fil-A?
So, when the student body selected Chick-fil-A as the winner that should have been the end of it, right? After all, the student body had spoken.
Well, not quite.
As it turns out, the University President was not happy the students voted for Chick-fil-A and did not want Chick-fil-A on his campus.
But the reason he was so opposed to Chick-fil-A wasn’t the expense. It wasn’t a delay or shady contract.
The real reason the University President did not want a Chick-fil-A on campus was because of Dan Cathy’s views on traditional marriage.
Because Dan Cathy stood true to his faith in Jesus, leftist University officials felt having a Chick-fil-A on campus would single out LGBT students.
So, in a bold heavy-handed move, the University President refused to let Chick-fil-A be installed on his campus.
Rider University crafted out a statement and posted it to their website and the opening two paragraphs stated:
“A few weeks ago, we sent a survey to students to elicit feedback on options for bringing a new restaurant franchise to Rider. Although it was included in previous surveys, Chick-fil-A was removed as one of the options based on the company’s record widely perceived to be in opposition to the LGBTQ+ community.
That decision required a difficult assessment of competing interests. We sought to be thoughtful and fair in balancing the desire to provide satisfying options for a new on-campus restaurant while also being faithful to our values of inclusion.”
The statement went on to ramble they weren’t being “exclusive” and acknowledged the decision was “complex”.
Cynthia Newman was deeply upset by the University’s statement and had asked them to apologize for insulting Christians.
But the University refused.
And not only did the University refuse to apologize for insulting Christians and wrongly linking Chick-fil-A to be an “oppressive” business, the University doubled-down on their pro-LGBT stance.
They actually went as far to send out “talking points” for faculty to use if students dared to question why Chick-fil-A was not allowed on campus.
Cynthia Newman had enough and decided to submit her resignation as dean.
Campus Reform reported:
“I could not, in good conscience, as a committed Christian, adhere to those talking points,” Newman said in her resignation announcement. “I am not willing to compromise my faith and Christian values and I will not be viewed as being in any way complicit when an affront is made to those values.”
According to the talking points that the university provided Newman, “the university’s mission seeks to prepare ‘responsible citizens who embrace diversity, support the common good, and contribute meaningfully to the changing world in which they live and work.'” Another talking point cited the university’s commitment to the “LGBTQ community”: “openness to different views and beliefs is a fundamental value of the university, as is our belief to be inclusive of all cultures and ways of life, including those in the LGBTQ community.”
Cynthia’s bold move sets an example for Christian students not only at her University, but all across the country.
Leftist schools often use their power and authority to control Christians, forbidding them to speak up for their values. And sadly, they often get away with it.
Chick-fil-A may not be coming to this college campus, but one would argue this University “won the battle, but lost the war”.
By exposing the dark and hidden pro-LGBT agenda this college is embracing, Cynthia was able to shine the light of Jesus into this dark place.
And she didn’t do so in a hateful or vulgar manner. She simply stood true to her Christian beliefs, even in the face of adversity, and was willing to suffer the consequences whatever they might be.
As it turns out, Newman did get some support from those around her.
Fox News reported:
“Much to her surprise, Newman received a lot of support from faculty and staff for showing that “no one group’s opinions, values, beliefs, should be elevated over anyone’s else’s…we should be able to respectfully disagree…we shouldn’t be putting down one person’s values because they don’t align with our personal values.”
“You’re the one who has to live in the world that’s around you,” she said, “and so if you feel something is not right in that world, you have an obligation to stand up and to say what your perspective is on that.”
Christ is clear that those of us who are Christians will partake in suffering. After all, they persecuted Him, and we are not greater than our Master!
Let’s hope more Christian business owners and employers stand true to their Christian values, even if it costs them their job.
While it’s true, we can never force our Christian beliefs onto another, it doesn’t mean we are powerless to do nothing.
As Christians, we can continue to take a bold stand for our beliefs and stand true regardless of the cost.
Let’s continue to pray that those in leadership and authority will not use their own personal beliefs to silence Christians.
In addition, we must continue to pray for Christians who are a minority in their work environments and pray they will continue to be strong and uphold their Christian values even in adversity.
Would you be willing to speak up for Christ even if it cost you your own job? What do you think prohibits Christians from speaking out more?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with your friends and family and show them there are those who are still willing to defend the name of Jesus!