Fossil Free Santa Clara University (FFSCU) is working for Divestment
S. Boyer
Lisa McMonagle '15 and the Fossil Free Santa Clara University (FFSCU) student club encourage divestment from the top 200 fossil fuel extraction companies.
Fossil Free Santa Clara University (FFSCU) has the goal of encouraging the university to divest from the top 200 fossil fuel extraction companies and commit to not making any new investments in these companies. By doing this, the universitycan join other schools and universities around the globe in taking action to combat climate change and sending a message that we do not support the practices of these companies. The principles of divestment fully coincide with the vision of the university to build a more humane, just, and sustainable world and also fits nicely with the university’s goal of climate neutrality.
Since the beginning of the fall of 2013, Fossil Free SCU has been in full swing. During the 2013-2014 school year, the goal of the group was to introduce to the campus fossil fuel divestment and to make initial contact with members of the administration. Since then, the movement has only grown.
In the fall of 2014, Fossil Free SCU made many strides in the divestments movement. Upon meeting with administration, the group was able to learn about aspects of the endowment of the university and see where divestment fit in the university’s sustainability goals. Additionally, the group was given a platform to open up the divestment discussion to the university. The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics invited CIO John Kerrigan, Markkula director Kirk Hanson, Markkula fellow Krishan Allen, and FFSCU leader Lisa McMonagle to participate in an open panel discussing the pros and cons of divestment. This event brought together many students and faculty members who were not extremely familiar with the movement and allowed them to make decisions on their own while hearing both sides of the case.
For the rest of the year, FFSCU is hoping to have events and actions to continue to spread the word about divestment and gain support amongst students, faculty, staff, and alumni. This cause is vital to our university and crucial in the fight for our planet. The group is going strong, and all help and interest is welcome. If you are interested in learning more, “like” the Fossil Free SCU Facebook site or email fossilfreescu@gmail.com.