San Antonio Officials Seek to Hide Records in Decision to Deny Chick-fil-A Airport Location

First Liberty Institute is seeking documents explaining City’s decision to ban popular restaurant from having location at airport because of the chain’s charitable giving


SAN ANTONIO, May 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- San Antonio city officials submitted a request to the Attorney General of Texas seeking permission to deny access to public records regarding the City’s decision to exclude Chick-fil-A from operating at the San Antonio International Airport.  First Liberty Institute is seeking the documents in an inquiry into the City’s actions.

“What do San Antonio officials have to hide?” asked Keisha Russell, Associate Counsel to First Liberty Institute.  “Transparency is essential to ensuring public trust in government.  Tolerant and inclusive city officials should have no reason to deny the public an opportunity to review how and why they make important decisions.”

First Liberty Institute attorneys requested public records, communications, notes, or other documents, including emails, text messages, notes, statements, letters, reports, and comments, produced by members of the San Antonio City Council, or any employee or staff member of the City Council relating to the contract or to Chick-fil-A.

In late March, the City Council of San Antonio voted to approve a contract with Paradies Lagadère to operate certain concession space in the San Antonio International Airport on condition that Chick-fil-A, which was part of the proposed concession lineup, be excluded.  First Liberty has urged the federal government to investigate whether the City violated federal nondiscrimination laws by basing its decision to prohibit Chick-fil-A on the religious beliefs and charitable giving of the popular chain’s foundation.

About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.

To arrange an interview, contact Lacey McNiel at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.

Contact: Lacey McNiel, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453