Students for Environmental Concerns March for Fossil Fuel Divestment
On a vibrant Friday afternoon, the Students for Environmental Concerns (SECS) took to the streets, marching along Green Street and across the Main Quad, united in a powerful call for the University of Illinois to divest from the fossil fuel industry. The atmosphere was charged with determination as students and supporters gathered in front of the iconic Alma Mater, chanting slogans that echoed their urgent demands for a sustainable future.
Voices of the Movement
Trey McCallister, action co-coordinator of SECS, led the crowd with fervent chants, emphasizing the fundamental rights to clean air and a viable future. “We will not rest until we divest,” he declared, capturing the essence of the movement’s resolve. The march was not just a demonstration; it was a rallying cry for change, reflecting the collective aspirations of students who are increasingly aware of the environmental crises facing the planet.
Community Support
The march garnered significant support from various local organizations, including the Graduate Employee Organization, Amnesty International, La Colectiva, Fossil Free Illinois, and the Champaign-Urbana Muslim Action Committee (CUMAC). This coalition of groups underscored the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental sustainability. Sana Saboowala, a representative from CUMAC, articulated this sentiment, stating, “We are all here because we want decent human rights,” linking the fight for environmental justice with broader human rights issues, including the ongoing struggle for Palestinian freedom.
Demands for Divestment
Gathered in front of the Swanlund Administration Building, protestors articulated their discontent with the University’s financial ties to the fossil fuel industry. SECS outlined a clear set of demands aimed at achieving complete divestment:
- Divest 100% of all holdings in companies benefiting from fossil fuels.
- Ensure maturity of current fossil fuel-related corporate bonds.
- Codify a commitment in the University’s investment policy to refrain from future investments in fossil fuels.
- Sell off all indirect assets related to fossil fuels.
- Achieve 0% fossil fuel exposure in the University’s investment portfolio.
These demands reflect a strategic approach to divestment, emphasizing both ethical and financial considerations.
Previous Engagements with University Officials
SECS has been proactive in engaging with University leadership, having previously met with key figures such as Nicholas Jones, executive vice president of the University of Illinois System, and Chief Financial Officer Paul Ellinger. These discussions, held in April and May, laid the groundwork for the current movement, demonstrating a commitment to dialogue and collaboration. Additionally, SECS introduced a new bill to the Illinois General Assembly earlier this year, advocating for their divestment demands, further solidifying their position within the broader legislative context.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the progress made, SECS members acknowledge the challenges ahead. Michael Gergeni, a junior in LAS and a general member of SECS, highlighted the misconception that divestment is merely a political statement. “This is a strategy of financial prudence more than it is political action,” he explained, emphasizing that divestment is a necessary step for the University, especially given its existing budgetary issues.
According to an investigation by SECS, the University of Illinois had approximately $120 million invested in the fossil fuel industry as of 2022. The group argues that divesting these funds would not exacerbate the University’s financial challenges, citing an external study that supports their claims.
A Unified Call for Change
As the march concluded back at the Alma Mater, SECS leaders expressed gratitude to the participants for their unwavering support. Gergeni encapsulated the spirit of the movement, stating, “We are here today because we love the University, and our love for the University has driven us to rally in front of the Alma Mater every semester; to continually demand that we do better.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the student body, reflecting a commitment to not only advocate for environmental justice but also to foster a culture of accountability and responsibility within the University.
The march organized by SECS stands as a testament to the growing awareness and activism among students regarding environmental issues. It highlights the importance of collective action in the pursuit of a sustainable future, urging institutions to align their financial practices with the values of their communities.