To the Springfield, MA City Council and Onyx Partners Ltd.,

Community members of Springfield, Massachusetts are requesting that you withdraw Chick-fil-A from consideration as an occupant in the acquired "Eastfield Mall" lot on Boston Road, and find an alternative investment that doesn't directly harm the values of the residents.

As you may know, Chick-fil-A's CEO has been on record stating his opposition to same-sex marriage and has donated millions of dollars to anti-LGBTQ organizations. This stance is deeply concerning and hurtful to many members of our community, who deserve to feel safe and welcome in all public spaces.

Allowing a Chick-fil-A to open in the former Eastfield Mall lot would send a message to LGBTQ customers and employees that their well-being and rights are not a priority. It would also provide financial support to an organization that actively works against the interests of marginalized groups.

We urge you to take a stand for equality and inclusivity by refusing to allow a Chick-fil-A restaurant to open in our city. Instead, we encourage you to seek out and support businesses that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

For peace and justice,
Out Now, Springfield's only queer youth organization