Yea, DEI!

I like Chick-fil-A. Its chicken sandwich is decent. Those waffle fries are not that great, but its rest rooms are always clean. Most of all, its employees are invariably polite and cheerful. The burger flippers at the McDonald’s next door are occasionally surly.

Every restaurant has a poster with the Company’s Purpose: “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A”. That’s somewhat intense, but Chick-fil-A does “walk the walk” by being closed on Sundays. Maybe that’s why its employees are so cheerful. They’re guaranteed Sundays off.

DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) is a big deal in Corporate America today. Chick-fil-A appointed a VP for DEI this month. The announcement stated, “Chick-fil-A restaurants have long been recognized as a place where people know they will be treated well. 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.” Typical corporate gobbledygook, but a worthwhile sentiment.

When Michael Jordan was criticized for not supporting Barack Obama in 2008, he replied, “Republicans buy sneakers, too.” Chick-fil-A recognizes that Blacks, gays, and trans people might want a chicken sandwich from time to time.

Josh Brice, who describes himself as a “Follower of Christ, husband, dad, pastor, founder & president of G3 Ministries” was having none of this DEI stuff. He tweeted, “Dear @ChickfilA, two points to remember regarding your DEI position. First, you cannot hold to that position and glorify God. Secondly, it would be a massive disappointment to your founder.”

Charlie Kirk, another “Christian Influencer” seconded Josh’s rant. “DEI is an inherently anti-Christian practice. Having a ‘DEI director’ isn’t just bad business. It’s incompatible with being a conservative or a Christian company.”

Josh and Charlie want to boycott Chick-fil-A. An anti-trans boycott dropped Bud Light from its perch as America’s best-selling beer. Maybe an anti-DEI boycott will bring Chick-fil-A to its knees.

Josh and Charlie are dead wrong. God is glorified when all of His children are welcome everywhere. A “Christian company” would recognize that.

By Ed Dufton