Solidly orthodox Thomas Aquinas College has asked the CEO of the company that owns the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s chains to resign from its board. Andrew Puzder was asked to resign after CKE Restaurants, the parent company, aired an ad campaign featuring Hugh Hefner.
The relationship between TAC and CKE began when Carl Karcher, the founder, ran his company. Karcher is a devoted practicing Catholic who has long been supportive of Catholic causes. But since he has resigned CKE has become just another big company using sex to sell its products, in this case, burgers. The Hefner ad followed another ad showing a woman suggestively riding a mechanical bull while eating a burger. The sexual intent oozed out of the screen.
Bravo to Thomas Aquinas for standing up for its principles, for not compromising for the sake of money or acclaim.
