controversy

Komen and Planned Parenthood controversy brings local branches together

By Ryan Buffa | gargoyle@flagler.edu

After two of the largest advocates of women’s healthcare, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Planned Parenthood, made amends after a potentially harmful decision, local branches believe it is an opportunity to strengthen relationships and refocus on important issues facing women’s healthcare.

“The experience of this week is going to renew and strengthen relationships on a local level,” North Florida Planned Parenthood CEO Staci Fox said. “It’s going to open up a new avenue for us to work together…”

With the surge of pressure from lawmakers and internal opposition, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, reversed a controversial decision on Friday that would have pulled funding from numerous Planned Parenthood projects.


EPA budget cuts stir controversy

By Alex Bonus | gargoyle@flagler.edu

The Environmental Protection Agency would suffer a $1.3 billion loss under President Barack Obama’s proposed 2012 budget, a modest reduction compared to the $3 billion Republicans hope to cut from the organization’s funding this year.

Released Feb. 14, the president’s plan came three days after House Republicans introduced revisions to the current budget, which would reduce EPA funding from $10.3 billion to about $7.5 billion. Obama’s budget would reduce funding to $9 billion next year, demonstrating the stark divide between the financial goals of both parties.


St. Augustine locals stay loyal to ‘Jesus Chicken’

By Caroline Young | cyoung1@flagler.edu

St. Augustine Chik-fil-A manager Janette Manning has no idea about last week’s controversy when a gay rights group lashed out about the fast-food chain’s support of an anti-homosexual organization in Pennsylvania.

“I haven’t heard anything about it,” Manning said. “No guests or anybody have said anything about that.”

But Flagler College junior Adam Krell is aware of the controversy. Krell, who is gay, will not be changing his tri-weekly trips to the St. Augustine Chik-Fil-A.