‘Et Tu, Chick-Fil-A?’ Online Right Melts Down Over Chicken Chain Embracing Diversity

Phelan M. Ebenhack via AP

Chick-fil-A, the chicken sandwich chain beloved by conservatives, found itself under fire after members of the online right discovered its commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace.

The fury — which has battered other brands like Bud Light and Target in recent months — centered around a fairly standard corporate statement issued by the company in support of its staff and customers.

“We understand that the path toward Better at Together looks different for every business,” Chick-fil-A said in the statement. “At Chick-fil-A, Inc., our commitment is to approach this work with intention and humility, always believing the best in one another and striving for common ground. We’re early on in our journey, but we’re honored by the opportunity to steward our organization’s greatest asset – our people – and are energized by the road ahead.”

The statement was accompanied by another set of remarks from Erick McReynolds, Chick-fil-A’s executive in charge of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

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.

While a company statement like this might not seem terribly out of the ordinary, it it sparked a backlash on the right amid attacks on brands like Target, Bud Light and others attempting to market themselves as more inclusive. Conservative critics took to Twitter to voice their displeasure: