100 signatures reached
To: Shane Giese and Jamie Stanton, UM Foundation, and Royce Engstrom, of the University of Montana
Reinvest Montana (University of Montana)
We, the undersigned, believe that our university must match our business practices with our values, and ensure we are not undercutting our future by contributing to climate change.
UM’s mission statement states that the university “educates competent and humane professionals and informed, ethical, and engaged citizens of local and global communities...benefiting the local community, region, State, nation and the world.” We see divesting from fossil fuels and reinvesting in sustainable industries that contribute to Montana’s economy as an important way to demonstrate our commitment to these values and to curb the effects of climate change on our state and planet.
We urge that the UM Foundation fully divest the university’s endowment from all fossil fuel companies and reinvest in socially and environmentally responsible enterprises based in Montana.
Why is this important?
The constitution of the state of Montana guarantees each citizens right to clean air, water and a safe and healthy environment. The university's current investments in the fossil fuel industry are undermining all of these rights.