Christian uni warns students against working at Hooters

09 Jan 2018

Abilene Christian University, a conservative Christian university in Texas, has warned its students against applying for a job at a Hooters franchise opening up about a mile from its campus.

“We have asked students to consider both what Hooters represents and whether that is something they really want to support in terms of both their faith and the value this business model places on women,” school director of public and media Emerald Cassidy told Abilene’s KTXS-TV, according to a Fox News report.

“If a student were in a position where the university felt they were not upholding the standards in the handbook, we’d address those issues with that student at that time.”

LOL at ACU acting like it cares about women.https://t.co/jQ5S0kuSxz

— emily moses (@eb_moses) January 6, 2018

The university handbook instructs its students to make decisions that “ultimately glorify God”.

The restaurant chain, known for chicken wings and “Hooters Girls” in skimpy orange outfits, is said to target college students to work at its outlet, touting its flexible work schedules and offers for tuition assistance, according to a promotional video about Hooters Girls. The new Hooters at Abilene, which is set to open its doors on Jan 15, has advertised for the positions of general manager, kitchen staff and, of course, the infamous Hooters girls.

When asked whether a male student will be similarly disciplined for eating, drinking or watching a game at Hooters, or whether a female student will be expelled for working at Hooters, Cassidy said each case will be dealt with on a “case-to-case basis” at this point.

Fox News notes that ACU, a private, non-profit university founded in 1906, and is affiliated with the Churches of Christ congregation.

Hooters said it was committed to serving communities where it was based and looked forward to serving the Abilene community at its new location.

“Hooters is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate and prioritizes a welcoming environment for all of our employees and guests,” Hooters spokesman Sarah Osment said.

“Over the years, Hooters has raised funds for numerous philanthropic initiatives, including raising more than US$4.7 million for breast cancer research, and has provided more than $3.1 million in tuition reimbursement to its employees.”

https://twitter.com/wilson_swg/status/949821180319555585

Another Christian university at Abilene, McMurry University, however, said it would not restrict where its students choose to work at.