DIVEST DU
Chancellor Haefner and the University of Denver Board of Trustees,
STOP FUNDING CLIMATE CHANGE
Three years ago, the University of Denver rejected fossil fuel divestment, choosing profit over the wellbeing of our planet and its inhabitants. Since then, several reports estimate that we have 10 years to change the way we live and avoid continued catastrophes linked to anthropogenic climate change.
DU takes pride in being a University “dedicated to the public good,” but our investments in the fossil fuel industry contradict this mission. We stand against DU investing in this industry most responsible for climate change; as of 2015, the last time we were told specific information, our endowment fund had approximately $22.6 million invested in fossil fuel-related holdings.
PEOPLE OVER PROFIT
In the time since DU rejected divestment, this financial strategy to fight climate change has become increasingly common. Institutions across the country -- including Middlebury College, Syracuse University, Georgetown University, and the entire University of California system -- have shown leadership in sustainability through divesting, thus demonstrating their commitment to their students’ futures. As of February 2020, over 100 educational institutions have divested from fossil fuels.
Though DU has lost the opportunity to be a leader in divestment, there is still time to join the fight for climate justice by following in the footsteps of these other esteemed institutions.
DARE TO DIVEST
We call upon the University of Denver to:
Freeze any new investments in fossil fuel companies immediately.
Divest the endowment from direct ownership and from any commingled funds that include fossil fuel public equities and corporate bonds by 2023.
Reinvest the endowment in renewable and sustainable ventures in order to substantiate claims of the University being a private institution dedicated to the public good.
We believe such action on behalf of our University will not only be a sound decision for our institution’s financial portfolio, but also for the wellbeing of current and future graduating classes, who deserve the opportunity to graduate with a future not defined by climate chaos.
Petition by
To:
Chancellor Haefner and the University of Denver Board of Trustees,
From:
[Your Name]
STOP FUNDING CLIMATE CHANGE
Three years ago, the University of Denver rejected fossil fuel divestment, choosing profit over the wellbeing of our planet and its inhabitants. Since then, several reports estimate that we have 10 years to change the way we live and avoid continued catastrophes linked to anthropogenic climate change.
DU takes pride in being a University “dedicated to the public good,” but our investments in the fossil fuel industry contradict this mission. We stand against DU investing in this industry most responsible for climate change; as of 2015, the last time we were told specific information, our endowment fund had approximately $22.6 million invested in fossil fuel-related holdings.
PEOPLE OVER PROFIT
In the time since DU rejected divestment, this financial strategy to fight climate change has become increasingly common. Institutions across the country -- including Middlebury College, Syracuse University, Georgetown University, and the entire University of California system -- have shown leadership in sustainability through divesting, thus demonstrating their commitment to their students’ futures. As of February 2020, over 100 educational institutions have divested from fossil fuels.
Though DU has lost the opportunity to be a leader in divestment, there is still time to join the fight for climate justice by following in the footsteps of these other esteemed institutions.
DARE TO DIVEST
We call upon the University of Denver to:
Freeze any new investments in fossil fuel companies immediately.
Divest the endowment from direct ownership and from any commingled funds that include fossil fuel public equities and corporate bonds by 2023.
Reinvest the endowment in renewable and sustainable ventures in order to substantiate claims of the University being a private institution dedicated to the public good.
We believe such action on behalf of our University will not only be a sound decision for our institution’s financial portfolio, but also for the wellbeing of current and future graduating classes, who deserve the opportunity to graduate with a future not defined by climate chaos.