A hospital in Minnesota recently apologized to staff members after supposedly falling short in the commitment to its “values of respect and justice” when providing free Chick-fil-A meals. According to reports, Essentia Health in Duluth sent a note to staff last week after complaints surfaced about free Chick-fil-A sandwiches that were provided at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Senior vice president for regional operations at Essentia Health Tammy Kritzer wrote, “We have received feedback from some colleagues who were concerned or offended by this occurrence, and we value colleagues feeling comfortable expressing their reservations.” She added, “We would like to thank our colleagues who had the courage to speak up to widen our lens of inclusivity, and we appreciate all colleagues continuing to live our values of respect and justice.”
Chick-fil-A often faces criticism from leftists over the popular fast-food restaurant’s adherence to its Christian values. For example, the pioneer of the chicken sandwich has faced considerable backlash for donating to organizations such as the Salvation Army, a group that some have accused of espousing anti-LGBT values.
Furthermore, the hospital made a point not to associate itself with Chick-fil-A, distancing itself from the business and its practices. “We respect all we are honored to serve and employ, and situations such as these are an important reminder to consider all viewpoints. As we strive to be thoughtful and inclusive as an organization, we will have learnings along the way,” the email stated.
The email concluded, asking for grace and forgiveness for the infraction of offering Chick-fil-A sandwiches to employees. “In the words of Maya Angelou, when we know better, we do better,” the statement from Essentia Health said. “Thank you for giving us grace, as we work to be better, together,” the email to staffers noted.
Chick-fil-A has made it clear on its website that it stands firm behind biblical values. “From the beginning, Truett based his business on Biblical principles that he believed were also good business principles, and since 1982, our Corporate Purpose has guided all that we do. We keep our Purpose front and center because it helps us to steward our business and our work to positively influence everyone we meet,” the website reads.
Continuing to illustrate its commitment to Christianity the restaurant said, “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” To live out our Purpose and honor Truett’s legacy, we are focused on creating a culture of care, both at the Support Center and in our restaurants.”
However, last year The American Tribune reported on skepticism from conservatives regarding Chick-fil-A’s corporate identity as the company announced a new commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The restaurant’s website featured an update at the time that quoted Erick McReynolds, the newly hired Vice President of DEI.
McReynolds said, “Chick-fil-A restaurants have long been recognized as a place where people know they will be treated well. Modeling care for others starts in the restaurant, and we are committed to ensuring mutual respect, understanding and dignity everywhere we do business. These tenets are good business practice and crucial to fulfilling our Corporate Purpose.”
Watch President-elect Trump interacting with fans at a Chick-fil-A below:
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