GUEST BLOG: Rivka Micklethwaite, Oxford student and co-chair of Oxford University Fossil Free
Monday 16th March could be a very big day for the divestment movement. Oxford University’s most senior decision-making body, University Council, will be discussing the recommendations of the student-led divestment campaign. Over the last 18 months the campaign has gained the written support of over 2000 students, 120 academics and 400 alumni. We need to make sure that all of these voices, and more, are heard in the run-up to this decisive meeting!.
With an international reputation and the biggest endowment in the UK, for Oxford to divest would be a momentous political statement; it would be declaring no confidence in the actions or financial prospects of the fossil fuel industry, adding its weight to the political momentum that is already undermining them. But it would also be a political statement to remain invested in fossil fuels. If the success of the University’s endowment depends on the success of fossil fuel companies, they have a vested interest the industry continuing unimpeded with its destructive behaviour. Taking action on climate change necessitates undermining the fossil fuel industry – this is not something the university can commit to until it does not rely on that industry
Oxford has made political statements with its investments before. In the cases of South African Apartheid and arms manufacturers associated with cluster munitions, they have taken a stand against unethical practices by divesting. When climate change is the biggest human rights issue of our time, there is no reason not to divest again.
We’re making a fuss to ensure that University Council hears these arguments, and hears how much support they have. Here’s what you can do to help us:
- We’ve launched a pledge for Oxford Alumni who support the campaign: hit the university where it hurts and pledge not to donate unless Oxford commits to full divestment. If you’re a former student, please sign it, and whoever you are, please share it.
- Alumni can also pledge to symbolically hand back their degrees if the University does not divest.
- We’re holding a Teach-In on Wednesday 11th March, featuring George Monbiot, as part of a varied panel discussing why divestment matters. If you’re in Oxford, come along!
- If you haven’t already, please sign and share our petition. Oxford academics can also sign this open letter.
- We’re looking for alumni and academics to write for us about why they support divestment – it can just be a short quote, or a longer piece. If you think you could help with this, email rivka.micklethwaite@balliol.ox.ac.uk.
Let’s see Oxford Divest!
For more information, visit https://oxfordunifossilfree.wordpress.com/.