This is yet another push in asking Stevens Institute of Technology to remove Greg Gianforte's name from Gianforte Family Hall (as part of the newly constructed Gateway Academic Complex).

Since the building was created in December 2019, Greg Gianforte was elected governor of Montana (January 2021). He has passed a slew of harmful legislation in office - some of which include an anti-transgender sports ban and limitations on abortion rights (more info below).

Greg Gianforte is also a known supporter of gay conversion therapy, denies the existence of climate change, & contributes financially to hate groups (read more about this in the original petition to have his name removed).

These all contradict Stevens’ values as a university.

On December 10, 2019, Stevens held an event commemorating the Gianforte Family and the building’s opening. A large group of community members protested the building’s opening. Stevens administration remained silent.

We cannot let this go unanswered once again. Gianforte is systemically oppressing the same individuals Stevens claims to hold an inclusive space for.

Stevens must rename Gianforte Family Hall if they stand by its values as an institution of higher learning.

Quick Facts

- Gianforte's family foundation has donated over $1.1 million to leading organizations that oppose LGBTQ rights. (read here)

- On April 22nd, 2021, Greg Gianforte signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, bolstering religious beliefs as a claim or defense in court. It has been argued that this act could empower people to freely discriminate against LGBTQ people with beliefs that they are immune in the courts. (read here)

- As of April 26th, 2021, Greg Gianforte has signed 3 anti-abortion laws into effect in Montana. (read here)

- On May 10, 2021, Montana passed House Bill 112, an anti-transgender bill that bans transgender girls and women from participating in sports at the elementary, secondary, or post-secondary level consistent with their gender identity. (read here)

- Thread of harmful legislation Greg Gianforte has passed this year 

Resources for context

- Personal, written account by original organizer of #IWillNotSITBy (read here)

- Coverage of the building’s protest from December 10, 2019 (read here)

- Interview of protest organizers by NJ.com (read here)

- University Newspaper’s account of the protest (read here)