Case Study: Divest DU

Case Study: Divest DU

Where: University of Denver campus, Denver, CO.

Practitioners: Carly LeRoy, Divest DU club

In 2014, a group of DU students found a contradiction in the university’s mission statement. During tours DU describes themselves as a, “great private university dedicated to the public good”. The students realized that the university was not that dedicated to the public good. While the school publicized that they were looking out for the community and the world, the majority of the school’s investments are in fossil fuels. The students, who believe that Universities should be at the forefront of social movements decided to do something about the irresponsible investments made by the University. Now, students are demanding that the University divest their investments away from environmentally irresponsible holdings and to invest in companies that will not only benefit the University economically, but will benefit the community as a whole. Divest DU has presented to the board of trustees, Chancellor Chopp and has held meetings on campus to allow students to voice their support, or dissent of their goals. Carly LeRoy, a sophomore at the University of Denver is a part of the Divest DU club. “I joined because it doesn’t make sense to me. There are other ways that the University can make money without supporting permanent harm to the planet.” According to LeRoy, there are investments the school could make in more sustainable industries that could yield the same, if not greater profit for the school. As of right now, the University does not plan on divesting, but acknowledges the student’s wishes and recognizes the growing support for divestment among students and faculty.

Although Divest DU has not had any physical victories (the school still does not plan on divesting), they still consider themselves to be successful in some aspects, in that they are spreading the word around campus, and throughout the surrounding communities of the University’s irresponsible investments. “We are happy that people are talking about it,” said LeRoy, “if people continue to talk about it, and continue to approach the school and show support of divestment, eventually the board will have to listen”. The club has been turned away by the University many times, but they have been resilient. Every time the board tells them that they will not divest, the club turns around and works twice as hard. They continue to gain sympathy from the student body and faculty.

Key principals used:

Know your audience: Divest DU understands that they are not only trying to convince the board, but more importantly the community. The more students begin to rally around Divest the more seriously the board will have to take the club.

Setting long term goals: LeRoy understands that she may not be at DU when they finally decide to divest their investments, but she still feels that it is necessary for her to help spread the word so that people continue to learn about what the University is doing by investing in the fossil fuel industry.

Divest continues to grow their club. Every time the University tells them that nothing will change, that only fuels their fire even more. When the school is rude, or standoffish towards the club, outsiders see just how resilient the members are and that draws outsiders in. From the second that a new member joins, they are a part of the club. There is no process to become a member, as long as the new member is passionate about what they are doing, they are welcome at any, and all events.

New principle at play: Take advantage of the small victories

            Divest DU is in an interesting situation, where the students, who have put together a solid investment plan and a very official list of requests from the school, are not being taken seriously. The board continues to look at the students as kids, who want something but are not worth their time to take seriously. The students recognize this, and instead of letting it faze them, let it inspire them. The members of Divest DU are searching for a long term solution, simply the fact that they were able to go to a board meeting was a victory for them. They understand that it will take time to convince the board that divestment is the economically and environmentally responsible choice and they are willing to give the board the time they need to come to the decision Divest believes is correct.

Conclusion: Divest DU is a group of students who are fighting to be taken seriously enough for the board to recognize the student’s demands and make the changes they’re asking for. The students understand that they need to accept that they are fighting a massive uphill battle and that they need to consider even the smallest victory, to be a step in the right direction.