Devyn Powell, Arts and Sciences, 2014

Fossil fuel companies are the parties most directly and indefensibly responsible for driving the destructive warming of our climate. Unless these companies switch their portfolios entirely to renewable sources, and pledge to stop extracting oil, coal, and gas, they will remain enemies, not allies, in our efforts to solve the climate crisis. By investing in these companies, Tufts is investing in climate change. Period.

The most common arguments against fossil fuel divestment are proving to be myths, one by one. Shareholder advocacy doesn't work - ask the Rockefellers, who recently divested their foundation's portfolio from the industry. Divestment doesn't hurt return on investment - many fossil-free portfolios perform as well or better than standard mixes. Ask any number of investment professionals, several of whom are also Tufts alumni! The increasingly mainstream media coverage of divestment and the involvement of diverse institutions including foundations, churches, towns, and hundreds of public and private universities show that this is a social movement with staying power beyond the Ivory Tower bubble. And Peabody Coal's recent report that they fear divestment could ""hurt demand for their products"" shows that the impact of this movement is much more than symbolic.

I could go on, but the verdict is in. Your move, Tufts.

The time is now, Tufts. Stand for your values. Create lasting impact. Lead where Harvard and MIT will not. Divest!

Edward Warren, Arts and Sciences, 2008

This is a chance for Tufts to lead.

Daniel Hurwit, Arts and Sciences, 2009, Engineering, 2015

To the board and the select few who are empowered by the broader Tufts community to make investment decisions: it's not too late to be on the right side of history. Be bold, and if that's not your thing... be shrewd! 

Sarabeth Buckley, Arts and Sciences, 2012

I love Tufts dearly, but will not donate to Tufts until it divests from fossil fuels. Not only is it a financially unwise investment considering the impending collapse of the carbon bubble, but the message of supporting the fossil fuel industry is inconsistent with protecting the students they care so much about. By supporting the fossil fuel industry, Tufts is contributing to the deterioration of the planet their students will inherit. I want Tufts University to be a leader on addressing climate change. 

Shira Rascoe, Arts and Sciences, 2014

The refusal to divest from fossil fuels -- despite extensive student support and solid moral and financial arguments in favor -- shows a disappointing lack of responsibility and foresight.

Joel Kachinsky, Arts and Sciences, 1965

My 50th Tufts reunion is 20 days away.  I live in Tennessee, but I'll be there.  I was about to send a donation to Tufts when I heard about the divestment campaign.  I've decided not to donate to Tufts until a serious commitment is made by the university to, at least, divest its endowment from the largest 200 publicly traded  fossil companies over a 5 year period and freeze all new investments.

David Rego, Arts and Sciences, 2008

Proven by science, and intellectually, morally, and ethically indisputable; please divest from fossil fuels.

Emma Schneider, Arts and Sciences, 2012

Dear Tufts,

Please practice what you teach and act as leaders of social and environmental justice. Until I see Tufts acting in genuinely sustainable and justice-oriented ways, I will donate to community organizations rather than to Tufts.

Best,
Emma

Michael Kramer, Arts and Sciences, 1988

There are plenty of well-proven ways to earn competitive return for the endowment without fossil fuels, tobacco, pornography, major polluters, mines in the Congo, and much more. It's time to realize that it is not only unethical to profit from unhealthy and exploitative practices, but when it comes to atmospheric carbon, our survival literally depends on it. Divestment sends a powerful message to companies, policymakers and society at large about the steps we need to take to become a more just and sustainable civilization. Now is the time.

Katherine Nittman, Arts and Sciences, 2012

So impressed current students are pursuing this!! It is a strategic and IMPORTANT move to show we really care about the values our University promotes. 

Alyssa Koomas, Nutrition Science and Policy, 2009

Tufts is currently a part of the climate change problem. Let's be a part of the solution. 

Fred Davis, Arts and Sciences, 1976

I was proud to be a Tufts student activist in the 1970s; I helped bring the Fast for a World Harvest to campus and helped get the Environmental Studies major started. Since graduation, I have had a career in the field of energy conservation and renewables. Today's climate action campaign continues a long Tufts tradition of global consciousness.