Written by Nicole Harbordt, student organizer with Divest SU and ESF; Re-posted from WeArePowerShift.org
We’re ending the semester strong. The Syracuse University/ SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign had a huge victory last Tuesday evening as the ESF Undergraduate Student Association (USA) unanimously passed in favor of our resolution to divest the ESF campus endowments from fossil fuels.
Standing in front of the USA as they discussed the key points of our final resolution was daunting. The voting began and the room quickly filled with the voices of those in favor. When asked for all opposed, a feeling of pure excitement and overwhelming relief swept over our group as the room fell completely silent. The vote was unanimous. The resolution had passed.
The SU/ESF campaign has been pushing hard on both campuses these past two semesters to make students, faculty, and administration understand the importance of divesting our campuses’ endowments from fossil fuels.
Whether it was getting roughly 1,000 petition signatures combined, the support from 57 SU faculty and five ESF/SU clubs, organizing a teach-in and two campus marches, meeting with administration, or simply just spreading the word to everyone and anyone – our campaign has been persistent.
It has been such a privilege to work with all those involved in this campaign. Everyone has a reason for this fight and have all shown great passion and determination for the cause. Working jointly with the two campuses has allowed for greater collaboration, helping to give us a stronger presence in the Syracuse community.
The SU Student Association resolution is scheduled to be voted on next week. We are hoping for another grand victory there as well. Even with summer fast approaching and the semester coming to a close, our campaign is not finished just yet. We are looking forward to continuing to push even harder in the Fall.
UPDATE: The Syracuse University Student Association passed their resolution with a 28-2 vote on Monday 4/29!
Members of our campaign at the ESF Activities Fair during Earth Week.
Speaking at our Divestment Teach-In.
Marching around the ESF Quad during Earth Week.