Fossil Free WSU Minutes from Meeting on November 15, 2022
Present: Stevie Smith, Danielle Weinberger, Simon Smith, Ryan Culp, Daniel Howell, Bill Engels Jr., Gil Rezin, Gus Gabriel, Bill Engels
I. Outcome of Mason’s Meeting with President Schulz on November 10th
Mason shared that the President is clearly interested in making WSU more sustainable but that he indicated there are challenges to divesting since WSU’s support of fossil fuel companies is indirect: WSU invests in certain financial instruments that have investments in fossil fuels. The President also said that the Task Force would seek representation from and collaboration with many groups, including ESA, on the WSU campuses.
Additional information that Mason shared with Bill immediately before the FFWSU meeting includes the following:
Most of the suggested talking points were covered in the 30-40 minute meeting. The President said that
- The more students involved in our campaign, the quicker it will progress.
- Divesting hasn’t financially hurt other universities that have divested.
- WSU has no investments, direct or indirect, in coal. Other pac-12 schools also have no investments in coal.
- FFWSU should continue doing what it has been doing.
II. Research on Peer Institutions
Ryan reported that he inquired about the financial impacts at three universities that had divested, but that he had not received a reply. The group expressed concern that the information may not be accessible by the general public. Stevie suggested asking the ESA Faculty Advisor, Jason Sampson, to contact the universities.
III. Student Petition Drive
Only a few more signatures had been added to the 800 + since the November 1st meeting.
Stevie will arrange during the Thanksgiving break to have the petition posted on digital signage in major buildings on campus, including the CUB, Chinook, Library, and Rec Center. The group decided to add campus cafeterias to the places for posting on digital signs. Ryan posted two paper flyers in academic halls.
IV. Divestment Resolution
Stevie will arrange to give a presentation on divestment and our campaign at the meetings of the various ASWSU committees. Mason and possibly Danielle will assist in presenting. The student petition will also be circulated at the presentations. This outreach will hopefully prepare the way for ASWSU’s approval of the Resolution.
Stevie shared that a faculty member at WSU Vancouver and a group of students there are interested in helping draft the Resolution. Bill will contact them and also begin working on the document.
V. Commenting at the November 18th Board of Regents Meeting
Bill will send instructions and three suggested scripts to Ryan, Danielle, and Abby.
Next meeting: Tuesday, November 29th, 6 pm in CUB 206
Fossil Free WSU 