Invites Boeing to redirect philanthropy from Portland State to Montana

HELENA, MT. – In letter to The Boeing Company, Governor Greg Gianforte this week welcomed investment to Montana’s universities from the company after Portland State University announced its decision to cut ties with Boeing over its support for Israel.

Last month, Portland State University announced it would no longer accept the weapons manufacturers’ philanthropic gifts after calls from antisemitic and pro-Hamas student-led protests.

In a letter to Boeing’s Executive Vice President Ziad Ojakli, the governor wrote, “Earlier this year, the university announced Boeing was donating more than $150,000 to the school for a classroom while also providing nearly $30,000 a year for scholarships.”

The governor continued, “Shockingly, despite the positive impact these investments will undoubtably have on the university and its students, the university leadership caved to the student mobs and paused its relationship with Boeing.”

Welcoming the forgone investment to Montana to build on the company’s existing presence in the state, the governor continued, “I believe redirecting your financial support from Portland State University to the Montana University System would further enhance the relationship between your company and our great state.”

Concluding the letter, the governor requested a meeting with the executive to discuss the potential investment and expansion, adding, “Boeing is welcome in Montana and we invite your further expansion here. Together, we can ensure Montana is on the cutting edge of innovation and strengthen our workforce by cultivating in-demand skills.”

Read the governor’s full letter to Executive Vice President Ojakli here.