We believe that LGBTQ+ people should feel welcome and respected at NEIU. However, one building is at odds with this message. Lech Walesa Hall is named after a man who is unabashedly anti-gay. Walesa, former president of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was a major leader in the Solidarity movement. Unfortunately, as time went on, Walesa’s unwillingness to accept social progress led to his fall from grace. He has become an international symbol of societal stagnation, ignorance, and homophobia.  

Over the past decade, students and faculty have been advocating for the building’s name to be updated. We believe that doing so will help create an environment where all students feel safe and seen, regardless of sexual orientation. Changing the name would honor the values of inclusivity and diversity NEIU stands for.

Sign this petition to make our educational institution more inclusive.

Click here to learn more: https://neiuindependent.org/19515/news/homosexuals-should-even-sit-behind-a-wall-lech-walesa-march-2013/