Minutes – 2022-04-19

Fossil Free WSU

ESA Subcommittee Meeting Minutes, April 19, 2022

Present: Stevie Fawcett, Mason Burns, Ryan Culp, Simon Smith, Bill Engels

Bill said he had not heard back from President Schulz’s office after writing to request a meeting with or presentation by the student members of FFWSU.  He will send a follow-up email. 

Ryan confirmed that the posters with the QR code for the student petition were being displayed for a second time in the dorms this spring.  He agreed to put up posters or fliers on the bulletin boards in the CUB after obtaining permission.

The current number of signees was 603, with 1571 views.

Regarding the address by President Schulz to the Faculty Senate on April 7th, Stevie reported that the President mentioned the increased student interest in fossil fuel divestment at U.S. universities.  He also indicated he would be forming a WSU Sustainability Task Force to coordinate the university’s various efforts, including in the area of fossil fuel divestment, to reduce its carbon footprint.  Stevie pointed out that it would be possible for ESA as a student organization to have direct access to the Task Force, without having to go through President Schulz.

Stevie reported on Earth Week.  He said ESA learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t for organizing the event next year.  Each of those receiving a plant at the give-away also got a flier with the QR code for the student petition. 

It was decided not to have a banquet or block party this spring since attendance was likely to be low due to final exams.

Bill announced there would be a Board of Regents meeting on Friday morning, May 6th.  Stevie and Ryan agreed to provide a public comment.

The group identified actions for early in the fall, 2022 semester:

  1. Stevie presenting before the Faculty Senate.  He will remind them beforehand about scheduling it
  2. Organizing a petition for the faculty
  3. Simon and Bill presenting at the first meeting of ESA in the last week of August.  Bill will remind Stevie near the end of the summer to schedule it.
  4. A peaceful march

Bill said he would contact Dr. Brian Henning for suggestions for actions in the fall.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!  ALL THE BEST, MASON!  WE’LL MISS YOU!