We are employees at UHS and community members in the Binghamton, NY area that are asking for the removal of the "Put God First" sign on three floors of the new tower at UHS Wilson Memorial Hospital. We love our work, fellow workers, and above all, our patients. The sign is, and will, cause distress among our diverse team of workers and patients. We have witnessed the unease it has created among female patients concerned about reproductive rights, the LGBTQ community worried about their rights being protected and respected, and other patients who question the sanctity of their conversations with the medical team, and the agenda of the hospital and its employees. 

We believe that it opposes our mission of inclusivity, diversity, and equity, and our core values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, and Teamwork. It's well-documented that when there is an entwining of religion and healthcare that it affects patient care outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities (The American Journal of Bioethics, 2019). The sign, arguably, has the potential to be divisive and counterproductive in a hospital environment, where the aim should always be the best care and comfort for every patient.

In addition, the hospital is a non-religious entity. Therefore, it doesn’t reflect our commitment to diverse beliefs and backgrounds. We are intent on ensuring that the hospital remains an establishment serving all, regardless of their religious beliefs.

As employees and stakeholders in this hospital, and members of the larger Binghamton community, we urge the management to remove this sign. We request that they replace it with a universally embracing message, which allows everyone to feel safe and recognized.

It’s time we ensure our hospital respects and reflects the diversity of the community we serve. Please, sign this petition and support us in creating an inclusive, diverse and equitable environment for all.