This morning I got an email from the Bryn Mawr College Fund Chair, Christy Allen. Here is my response.
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| Returned check from Bryn Mawr College Annual Fund |
Hi Christy,
I am a Donor for Divestment - I recently sent a check to the Annual Fund with the stipulation that the College must cease investing in fossil fuel companies and fully divest from fossil fuels within the next five years. The check was returned to me. I will try again next year - with a higher contribution amount - but under the same conditions, and with the timeline narrowed to four years. We are on a collision course with climate catastrophe, and the clock is ticking.
I have made a conscious decision to divest all of my assets from fossil fuels. I will not support an industry that is actively working to destroy the future of the smart young women Bryn Mawr is educating. To do so would be immoral - and illogical. It breaks my heart to read about the aspirations of these young women and the callous disregard for their future displayed by the trustees, in the interest of purportedly saving money. And of course - their decision not to divest won't save the College money, as fossil fuels are ultimately an unsound investment policy. The carbon bubble will ultimately burst, as 80% of the known fossil fuel reserves cannot be burned without destroying human civilization, as well as most of life on earth.
So the question isn't really WHETHER the College will divest - but WHEN. I sincerely hope that Bryn Mawr will choose to be a leader on this vitally important issue, before it is too late.
Sorry to not be more helpful - I know you are trying to support this noble institution that means so much to all of us. But our life support systems come first - and the sooner Bryn Mawr wakes up and joins the movement for a livable climate, the better.
Best regards,
Vanessa Warheit '90
