It has been unequivocally established that climate change is real, happening now, caused by human activity, and is exponentially increasing in severity - making it one of the most imminent threats to the safety of all people, particularly marginalized groups who are often on the front lines of climate change.
At this very moment, Barnard College of Columbia University is profiting from the fossil fuel industry, the main perpetrator of climate change and the consequent widespread displacement of women, minority groups, and inhabitants of the global south.
Barnard’s endowment is invested in the fossil fuel industry. We believe that Barnard must divest from this industry by removing all of its investments from companies whose majority profit comes from the extraction, production, and marketing and sales of oil, coal, and natural gas. By divesting, Barnard can quicken the necessary transition away from fossil fuels, towards a low-carbon economy reliant on sustainable energy sources.
“As a college for women, Barnard embraces its responsibility to address issues of gender in all of their complexity and urgency” - Barnard Mission Statement
It is irrefutable that climate change disproportionately affects women and gender-nonconforming people. To dismiss these effects and further exacerbate pre-existing inequalities directly contradicts Barnard’s mission. As a college in the privileged position of having a global platform to elevate voices that are not heard, and as an institution that is necessarily invested in the futures of its students and global citizens, Barnard has a responsibility to divest its endowment from fossil fuel companies.
We believe that ownership of fossil fuel stocks is a gross violation of the standards that Barnard claims to uphold. If you agree, sign our petition and tell Barnard College to put their money where their mouth is.
I support fossil fuel divestment because I understand the dire threat that climate change poses, and agree that immediate action must be taken. I do not believe that Barnard College of Columbia University should be invested in companies that are undermining the future wellbeing and safety of all people, but primarily women and underrepresented communities.
