About Divest Appalachian
Divest Appalachian, is Appalachian State University’s local campaign that advocates for the University’s evaluation of fossil fuel investments held in the Board of Trustees’ Endowment and the Appalachian State University Foundation, Inc. Divest Appalachian challenges University leadership to invest in a more sustainable energy focused portfolio. The local campaign is directed by Cassidy Quillen and is affiliated with the Divestment Student Network.
Divest Appalachian began as Fossil Free App State in 2012, as part of a larger national campaign started by 350.org. In an effort to advocate for divestment, the campaign began working alongside administration initially, and received a “no”on divestment in 2013. In 2014, the University moved all of its Foundation & Endowment into the hands of the UNC Management Company, making our investments commingled with the other UNC institutions. In fall of 2016, our campaign shifted focus to gain student support to urge the administration in the right direction.
Divest Appalachian began as Fossil Free App State in 2012, as part of a larger national campaign started by 350.org. In an effort to advocate for divestment, the campaign began working alongside administration initially, and received a “no”on divestment in 2013. In 2014, the University moved all of its Foundation & Endowment into the hands of the UNC Management Company, making our investments commingled with the other UNC institutions. In fall of 2016, our campaign shifted focus to gain student support to urge the administration in the right direction.
Events Divest Appalachian has Involved with
- Our Generation, Our Choice in the fall of 2015
- Jan. 23rd, 2016 Walk-Out w/ App State Student Power
- Board of Governors Protest → HB2 Bill in NC last spring 2016
- March on Wells Fargo #NODAPL protest November 2016
- #ResistRejectDenial Protest, Winter 2017
Campaign Objectives
- 1. Push for the creation of a socially responsible or sustainability investment fund within the University’s existing investment structures, paired with a directive option for donors to select to have their contributions go directly to this fund.
- 2. Campaign for the University’s investments to become transparent and public knowledge.
- 3. Form a permanent Sustainable Investment Committee that evaluates the University’s investments once those investments are made transparent.
- 4. To educate students, faculty and administrators on campus and the general public about issues of climate change and how reinvestment can be a strong tool in combating climate change and the industries interested in perpetuating it.
- 5. Complement other sustainable initiatives put into place by other groups on campus and in Boone.
- 6. Form alliances with groups with similar initiatives across the state on other UNC-System campuses and private universities.
- 7. Raise awareness about climate change on campus and in the community.