Jennifer Baldwin, Arts and Sciences, 2005

It was Tufts that originally inspired me to use my career to address climate change. Through courses like Environmental Biology, I first learned about the problem. I went on to learn about solutions through courses at UEP, work with the Tufts Climate Initiative, and participation in the environmental student group ECO. Today, I work in Washington on international climate policy and finance. I have Tufts to thank for getting me started down this path.

Tufts was an early university leader on climate change and sustainability, but it has fallen behind others since the days of the Talloires Declaration. Divesting from fossil fuels would be a symbol that environmental (and social) responsibility is still at the core of Tufts DNA. Given increasing student interest in the topic, it would serve the university well to take a positive stance on this. Switching investments around wouldn't necessarily result in decreased revenues for the university anyway. 

I strongly urge Tufts to divest from the largest 200 fossil fuel companies so that the university practices what it preaches.

Stephanie Kaplan, Arts and Sciences, 1994

Thank you to the current students at Tufts for keeping this alive! We were bringing this up during my years at Tufts 1990-1994. It appears the current President and Board are paying attention and I commend everyone involved. I'm just sorry it's been nearly 20 years and now we have reached the 400 ppm mark for CO2. Please keep up the good work - we must do all we can!

Susie Meserve, Arts and Sciences, 1995

Last fall, I heard Bill McKibben speak in Berkeley, where I now live, and I got excited to start divestment talks at Tufts. Some life stuff intervened and I return to the cause several months later to find this campaign. I'm thrilled. Go Tufts! In 1993 and 1994 I participated in the divestment campaign from James Bay. We did it then, and we can do it now. We MUST do it now.

Jed Holtzman, Arts and Sciences, 1999

Climate change endangers all aspects of our global civilization, not to mention other species.  Institutions divested from South Africa during apartheid, and that "only" doomed a whole lot of people, not EVERYONE as does climate change.  This is a no-brainer.

Daniel Wong, Arts and Sciences, 2009

We are running out of time.

Rebecca Batorsky, Arts and Sciences, 2012

Universities like Tufts are already educating students about thinking globally and about the danger of climate change. It's time to put these ideas into action and take steps to build a sustainable society.

Divestment is just the beginning!

Patrice Gillespie, Arts and Sciences, 1971

There is no bigger challenge to humanity than climate change.

Lerone Lessner, Arts and Sciences, 2004

While I think that the financial impact of divestment campaigns are most often quite limited, I believe that it is important that fossil fuel companies understand that they do NOT have the support of the public - and this should include Tufts' alumni!

Alicia Harvie, Arts and Sciences, 2006, Friedman School, 2009

Please continue to make Tufts University a leader in climate action!

Patrick Andriola, Arts and Sciences, 2011

As a proud Jumbo, I'm completely shocked that Tufts would be actively complicit in one of the greatest existential threats to our species. 

I pledge not to donate a single penny to the university until there is complete divestment from fossil fuel stocks and bonds. I also pledge to make a donation the second complete divestment is realized.

David Pomerantz, Arts and Sciences, 2007

I'm very proud of my Tufts education. Tufts was the place where I learned how to be an active citizen, a person with a just vision for the world, and with the courage to work to make that vision a reality. 

Now, Tufts has the opportunity to create that reality for many people beyond The Hill. If the Tufts Board of Trustees wants to stand behind the values that have served so many students well over the years - including me - it must divest from the fossil fuels that are causing catastrophic global warming. 

This is our school's chance to lead. Let's do it.

Rae Jones, Arts and Sciences, 2003

Tufts has a history of divestment. Divestment from apartheid, nuclear weapons companies and Hydro Quebec are all parts of Tufts history. This is no different. It's time for Tufts to be an active citizen of the world and stop supporting the destruction of our environment and our future. 

Tufts: Divest Now!