Lacey set to discuss corporate sponsorship policy after Chick-fil-A controversy
Lacey’s equity commission and parks board are set to meet Monday to review the city’s corporate sponsorship policy after residents spoke out against the fast-food restaurant Chick-fil-A and its sponsorship of city-related events.
They raised concerns because of the company’s history of donating to causes that do not support LGBTQ rights.
Lacey Chick-fil-A sponsored events in 2021 and 2022, according to the city.
“In 2022, their agreement was in the amount of $9,000 and they were a participating sponsor of the Lacey Spring Fun Fair, on stage sponsor of Lacey In Tune summer concert series, participating sponsor of Play in the Parks, and presenting sponsor of Children’s Day,” Monday’s agenda materials read.
Residents first spoke out in October at a North Thurston Public Schools board meeting — North Thurston was a community partner in Children’s Day — then they brought their concerns to the Lacey City Council later that month.
Area resident Meghan Hall said the business has a long and tragic history of advocating against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community through donations and statements made by executives, The Olympian reported.
“The name is synonymous with corporations that oppose equal rights for LGBTQ people,” she said.
She called the sponsorship ill-conceived and that more needs to be done to prevent hurtful actions like it.
“I want all children and their caregivers to feel welcome at Children’s Day,” Hall said.
The meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at Lacey City Hall, 420 College St. SE. It also can be watched via Zoom or You Tube.
This story was originally published November 13, 2022 at 12:29 PM.
