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NKU asks food service provider to remove Papa John’s pizza franchise from the Student Union


Staff report

Northern Kentucky University’s new president Ashish Vaidya has asked its food service provider to remove the Papa John’s pizza franchise from the Student Union.

In a message to the university community, Vaidya said NKU “has a longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that is embedded in all facets of our campus” and that recent remarks by the founder of the pizza chain do not “reflect the core values of NKU.”

John Schnatter

Papa John’s founder John Schnatter recently caused a stir with a racist remark made in a conference call. He was subsequently forced out as chairman of the company. Sports franchises have cut ties with Papa Johns, and the University of Louisville removed Papa Johns’ name from Cardinal Stadium as well as its Center for Free Enterprise in its College of Business. The University of Kentucky announced it would remove Schnatter’s name from the Institute of the Study of Free Enterprise in the Gatton College of Business.

In making his announcement, Vaidya said “(we) are focused on helping our students lead meaningful lives and successful careers. We believe our students, faculty and staff benefit from a rich environment of thought and experience that is gained by welcoming people from all backgrounds and perspectives.”

He referred to Schnatter’s remarks as “offensive, hurtful and unacceptable.”

Chartwells is the university’s provider of external food services.

“I know that Chartwells Higher Education takes pride in creating a campus dining program that embraces diversity, inclusion, and respect and is committed to working with partners who share these same values,” Vaidya said. “Chartwells will replace the current franchise with an in-house service that will serve a pizza-based menu in time for the start of the fall semester.”

Current employees are Chartwell’s employees and will retain their jobs.

He said the university will seek campus input before determining a permanent franchise for the Student Union.

“Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity is a fundamental part of what makes NKU great,” Vaidya said, “and we expect all of our business associations to align with these values. . .
 
“We are proud of what NKU stands for and we will continue to foster an environment where all are given an opportunity to learn and thrive.”


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3 Comments

  1. Ashley Menzer says:

    Why hasn’t NKU closed Starbucks for their repeated racist comments on cups? How can you punish a locally owned and operated franshcise who owns a Papa John’s store all because of one offensive word made by a founder who has stepped down from the company as a consequence of that bad judgment. Meanwhile no one has any issue with Starbucks who have had the same unfortunate situations happen at multiple locations with different racial slurs? Seems absurd and contradictory don’t you think????

  2. Tony Brinker says:

    President Vaidya needs to go back to school to learn about what America stands for: freedom of thought and expression and land of opportunity; EVEN IF YOUR THOUGHTS AND EXPRESSIONS ARE WRONG.
    He further needs to understand that the ONLY THING NKU is proving is that ots institution is a bigger hater, bully and harraser than Papa John’s .
    Bottom line is that NKU is declaring that you adhere to OUR PHILOSOPHY or you will be banned.
    Who cares about the 1st amendment freedom of speech or expression.
    Who cares about diversity of thought and idea ( NKU is declaring that diversity of the color of skin is ALL that matters.
    Who cares about bullying as long as the bully is ” right ” (…and what bully EVER thinks that they are wrong )
    Who cares that the students at NKU are adults that can make their own decisions. NKU will not only be a bully to Papa Johns but will bully its OWN students into what they MUST think, do and act.
    …and were talking about such a major issue as pepperoni pizza.
    Back down NKU and let the students have freedom of thoughts and ideas that is shown by their purchases or lack therof.
    QUIT BEING A BULLY AND A HATER and attempt to justify your position with the arrogant and elitest attititude ” I am right ”
    NKU gets an ” F ” in both US Constitution rights and ” diversity of opinions ” if it bullies Papa Johns off campus

  3. Larry Douglas says:

    They speak of inclusion while excluding s business. Only in liberal Academia would that be seen as anything but hypocritical

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