GREENSBORO, N.C. — The chief executive of the Papa John's pizza chain says the company is giving $500,000 to a historically black North Carolina women's college trying to avoid losing its accreditation.
[ [ALSO READ: Bennett College works to raise $5M in less than 40 days to keep accreditation] ]
CEO Steve Ritchie announced the gift to Bennett College Thursday on his Twitter page. The college is trying to raise more than $5 million by Feb. 1 to stave off losing its status with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
In a news release, the company says it would support a national campaign to inspire participation in Bennett's fundraising campaign.
[ [RELATED: North Carolina's Bennett College appeals loss of accreditation] ]
Papa John's was embroiled in controversy last year when Forbes reported founder John Schnatter used a racial slur during a media training conference. Schnatter apologized and resigned as chairman, but said his comments were taken out of context.
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