Thank you all for your support thus far - we've crossed 1000 signatures (pretty great feat for our university!). I've heard this has also reached some parents/loved ones of Stevens students - so I want to say a special thank-you to you all and standing with our community.
For anyone looking to learn more, I wrote this op-ed in The Advocate explaining the importance of safe/harmful spaces - and why Stevens' will fail its community if they don't take action to protect their fringe community members.
In the previous update for the petition, there are some scripts/contact information in case you'd like to call or directly email the President & his cabinet about this issue.
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*IMPORTANT - GOALS FOR THIS PETITION & HOW YOU CAN HELP*
The signatures of this petition are going to be compiled in a larger Student Government Association proclamation. This proclamation will contain:
- A list of student organizations who pledge not to use GFH for any organizational affairs (meetings, events, etc.)
- A list of alumni who pledge not to donate back to the university until the proclamation is honored.
- A clear & succinct table of contents - which shall include a timeline of Gianforte's discriminatory actions, vetted research on safe/harmful spaces, & a written narrative of why this issue must be revisited.
- The ultimate ask to rename Gianforte Family Hall, as well as asks:
- for Stevens to publicize its guidelines around donations & consider making changes to this process.
- for Stevens to consider creating a Taskforce around named infrastructure & the history of the institution - specifically, how we must shed light & re-examine these if Stevens is committed to standing for inclusion.
We need some help compiling some of this information and ultimately writing the proclamation. If you would like to get involved, please shoot me a quick email at nasiranthonymontalvo@gmail.com.
Thank you all again for your continued effort in holding our administration accountable to the campus we were meant to attend. Be safe - sending my best wishes.