© 2024 WUKY
background_fid.jpg
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

UK Cuts All Ties With John Schnatter

Following the example of the University of Louisville the state's flagship university on Friday announced it is cutting all ties with Papa John's Pizza chain founder John Schnatter.

President Eli Capilouto said the school will remove Schnatter's name from the Gatton College of Business and Economics.  Schnatter has been in the middle of a controversy after admitting to using a racial slur during a conference call. He resigned from UofL's board of trustees and apologized this week for using a racial slur during a company conference call in May.

During a press conference, UofL announced they would change the name of the school's football stadium to "Cardinal Stadium" removing that "Papa John's" branding.

Here are statements from the school and the John Schnatter Foundation.

Statement of University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto:

“We appreciate Mr. Schnatter’s understanding that his unacceptable language is contrary to the values of the University of Kentucky. We believe in his sincerity to try to make amends. But attempting to continue any financial relationship with Mr. Schnatter would be a painful and unnecessary barrier to our efforts of building a community where everyone is welcome and belongs. Therefore, we will be continuing the important work of the Institute for the Study of Free Enterprise, but neither the Gatton College of Business and Economics nor the Institute will recognize Mr. Schnatter in any way.”

Statement of John H. Schnatter Family Foundation:

“When we started working with the University of Kentucky to create the John H. Schnatter Institute for the Study of Free Enterprise in 2015, our focus was, and remains to this day, the students, who benefit from understanding the role free markets play in the economy and society. Based on recent events, the University feels that Mr. Schnatter’s involvement with this program could be a distraction to students and scholars. With that in mind, we have mutually agreed to end our partnership with the University.”

Related Content