DURHAM, N.C. -- Joe Van Gogh, the coffee shop at the center of the controversial firing of two employees on Duke's campus, has announced it is severing ties with Duke University. 

• Duke VP Larry Moneta has been under fire this week after his complaint led to the firing of two baristas at a coffee shop on on Duke's campus.
• Moneta complained that the music the baristas wer playing was vulgar because it used the f-word. 
• Following the controversy, Joe Van Gogh is severing ties with Duke. 

In a statement released by on their website Friday, the owner Robbie Roberts says:

“Effective immediately, I have decided to cut my company’s ties with Duke University. I believe it’s the right thing to do to preserve Joe Van Gogh’s brand independence without conditions. I have extended jobs to our entire team at our Duke on-campus store, either at one of our off-campus locations or at our production offices. And, I have reached out to our two baristas who were provided severance so that they may either re-join Joe Van Gogh or secure employment elsewhere if they like.

“During the past several days, I have reflected on our core values and what I want to embrace and advocate as a small business owner. Joe Van Gogh has always been about bringing people together, not driving them apart. We are open to all people and we value people over our profits. We always have. For years, we have nurtured these values to the communities we serve, specifically through the strengths and talents of our staff of baristas.

“I want to thank Joe Van Gogh employees and customers and everyone who has shared their candor with me during this period. I am grateful to live in a society where all voices – positive or not -- can be heard and met with understanding. I hope that we can become a more tolerant society by working through difficulties such as this one.”

The university responded Friday afternoon, saying:

"We respect Joe Van Gogh’s decision to end their relationship with Duke. We appreciate their partnership over the years and wish them great success going forward.  Duke will continue to support local restaurants in our dining program."

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