On Monday Feb 2nd, 5 members of Mountain Justice presented our proposal to 5 Board members.

We were deeply disappointed. It was clear that the Board had not intended for this meeting to produce concrete outcomes. The people with the most power to move our proposal forward — Investments Committee Chair Chris Niemczewski and Board Chair Gil Kemp — were not present. Given the urgency of the climate crisis and the mandate from the campus community for action, this is unacceptable.

Our pressure is already working, and Monday’s meeting made that clear. Board members confirmed that their recent action on climate, including the recent $12 million commitment to construct the new BEP building to LEED platinum standards, is because of our pressure. Several Board members expressed interest in working with MJ to identify fossil free investment opportunities. But it was clear that we need to step up the pressure to get Chris Niemczewski’s Investment Committee to move our proposal forward.

Over the next few months, we will work with our allies across the country to craft plans for strategic escalation-intentionally ramping up our efforts to block business as usual. This is a historic opportunity: the fossil fuel divestment movement is growing stronger every day, and the whole world is watching. By saying “no” to divestment, our schools choose to turn their backs on our generation, and side with a rogue industry whose business plan is incompatible with a just and stable world. We need to take this opportunity to prove that students are more committed than ever to the fight for our future, and to demand that our schools answer the question, “Whose side are you on?” While our administrations might be afraid to take bold action on climate, we are not.

If you pledge to escalate through nonviolent direct action over the course of the spring, add your name to this form. We’ll be in touch about next steps.

Questions? Check out our pledge FAQ!