Reconnect with us and get updates at https://www.fightforthefirst.org/petitions/keep-our-library-public
We had to file a lawsuit to Stop Gannon from taking public space in the Blasco Library. Read the lawsuit here and Watch our documentary Save Blasco! at https://keepourlibrarypublic.com/ - a verdict has not been reached - trial set for December 1-3.
Lawsuits are not cheap. We thank all those who donated. If you can, please donate to our legal fund here: https://keepourlibrarypublic.com/donate/
Gannon has changed the name of their lab a few times and the most recent focuses on education - Center for Lake Erie Education and Research CLEER.
It's CLEAR that by proceeding with their CLEER project at Blasco while being named in a lawsuit in which a verdict has not been reached, Gannon's actions reflect their arrogance and continued sense of privilege, as they seem to believe they will win the suit. Our case is strong, and we are encouraged that the outcome will be in favor of keeping the Blasco Library public.
We urge you not to let yourselves be used to justify Gannon University's horrific misuse of public funds and resources, their lack of transparency and honesty, and their willingness to collaborate with a tyrant to gain space on the bayfront.
Gannon must be held accountable for accepting $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding, which was intended to help those most impacted by COVID-19. The county's ARP consultant, Witt O'Brien, insisted the center — in its study and preservation of drinking water — was not in alignment with the U.S. Treasury's latest guidelines on ARP-eligible projects. Their project fails to adequately address the needs of residents in economically disadvantaged areas, particularly given that Erie has some of the poorest zip codes in the country - 90% of Erie School District students are economically disadvantaged!
To add insult to injury, Gannon collaborated with County Executive Brenton Davis to take space in the Blasco Public Library without public input or impact studies. This lack of transparency undermines the very essence of our democratic structures and erodes the community's trust.
As Library employees were silenced about the Gannon lease, creating a toxic working environment at the Blasco and throughout the entire Erie Public Library System, Gannon just stood by as the chaos unfolded. Some employees were unjustly fired or felt compelled to quit due to the oppressive atmosphere imposed by Davis. And for almost two years, those who oppose the takeover of the only remaining public space on the bayfront have been belittled and marginalized .
We were recently made aware of the CLEER Preview Invite by Sam Mason for September 23, and we cannot allow Gannon to use “environmental friends” to legitimize their misguided pursuit. While they may be excited about their project, we should be outraged by what they are destroying. Gannon has viable alternatives that could better serve their needs without encroaching on public library space or wasting precious dollars meant to help people most affected by COVID-19.
It is crucial that we stand together to protect our public spaces and resources and advocate for accountability and transparency. Let us not allow Gannon to exploit our community for their gain.
Please share your thoughts why Gannon is misusing public resources with us at keepourlibrarypublic@gmail.com and cc Gannon President, Walter Iwanenko IWANENKO001@gannon.edu and Lisa Thompson at the Erie Times-News at lthompson@timesnews.com.
We need to let them know we have not given up fighting and that we want justice!
Sincerely,
Anna McCartney
Keep Our Library Public