Seattle, WA — Today, Seattle University announced the decision to divest its endowment from fossil fuels over the next 5 years, making it the first university in Washington state to make such a commitment. In a statement, Seattle University President Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J. credited student leaders for “elevating the importance of this issue.” 350.org spokesperson Katie McChesney gave the following statement in response:
“It is great to see Seattle University and institutions across the country heeding the call out of New York last week to divest. Students, teachers, and community members have worked long and hard for this victory. Everyday, schools, museums, cities, and more are standing up to Big Oil by committing to divest and are helping to build a fossil free world that works for all.”
Earlier this month, Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City and Mayor Sadiq Khan of London called on all cities to divest from fossil fuels. At last count, the movement had secured commitments from more than 950 institutions representing $6.4 trillion in capital. The last year saw commitments from the nation of Ireland, the financial capital of the world, New York City, and major healthcare organizations, like the American Medical Association. Now, the movement is challenging investors to divest over $10 trillion by 2020 and demanding that investors involved in shareholder engagement either get results or divest.
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Contact: Dani Heffernan, [email protected], (305) 992-1544