Students Plan Protest, Urge Princeton U. Divest From Fossil Fuel

PRINCETON, NJ — A group of students from Princeton High School and Princeton University have called for a day-long sit-in to protest Princeton University's inaction in divesting from fossil fuels.

The sit-in has been planned for Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is being led by students Harmonie Ramsden, Nate Howard, and Hannah Reynolds. The strike corresponds with climate actions taking place across the globe. The event will include speakers, poets, chants, songs, and more. Read More Here: Princeton Student Activist Calls For Virtual Climate Strike

Students from across Central Jersey schools are expected to join in the protest.

In June, Princeton University announced its plans to divest from some sectors of the fossil fuel industry. In a statement, the Board of Trustees announced the University will divest from "thermal coal and tar sands segments of the fossil fuel industry" as well as companies that "engaged in climate disinformation campaigns."

Read More Here: Princeton U. To Divest From Some Sectors Of Fossil Fuel Industry

However, student activists are advocating for a higher commitment to carbon neutrality and a complete split from the fossil fuel industry.

Over 2,455 Princeton alumni, students, faculty, staff, and parents wrote an open letter to the University on Sept. 18 saying they can no longer donate to the institution while they continue to invest in companies that are "primary drivers of the climate crisis." The letter was published by Divest Princeton, a coalition of Princeton students, professors, and alumni.

“The students in Princeton Climate Strikes stand in solidarity with youth internationally in calling for an absolute commitment to fight climate change on Princeton University’s end," the high school students said in a statement.

"With thousands of companies and educational institutions divesting from fossil fuels at an exponential rate, there is little justification for Princeton to fight against a change in the systems that empower individuals fighting equity and justice. The climate crisis threatens their past and future students and stands against the university’s motto of ‘in the nation’s service and the service of humanity.’ Even if President Eisgruber will not advocate for the livelihoods of his students, we will continue to fight for climate action.”

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