SA: Resolution 32: Toward a Responsible Endowment

Sponsored by: Sarah Balik ‘14, Rebecca Macies ‘14, Anna-Lisa Castle ‘14

Whereas, Cornell strives towards the goals of its mission by fostering “initiative, integrity, and excellence, in an environment of collegiality, civility, and responsible stewardship,”

Whereas, Cornell University “supports research, scholarship, and the practical application of knowledge that address one of humankind’s greatest challenges: achieving a sustainable world for all”

Whereas, The extraction, transportation, and combustion of fossil fuels has a detrimental impact on human health and the environment,

Whereas, Cornell is committed to reaching carbon neutrality of the Ithaca campus by 2050 through the Climate Action Plan (CAP),

Whereas, the University’s sustainability efforts thus far have earned a celebrated Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) Gold rating;

Whereas, over 1,400 Cornell Undergraduate students have signed a petition in support of divestment, almost 50 American universities are actively working towards divestment, and Hampshire College and Unity College have committed to divestment,

Whereas, adoption of these responsible investment criteria project no negative financial impact on the endowment and are within the scope of feasibility and implementation,

Be it therefore resolved, that Cornell align its ideals of good stewardship, commitment to sustainability, and application of knowledge with University investment practices as a means of extending its “service to our alumni, the community, the state, the nation, and the world”,

Be it therefore resolved, that Cornell divest from direct holdings and commingled funds in the fossil fuels industry by the end of the 2020 fiscal year to broaden CAP and sustainability goals,

Be it further resolved, that Cornell reinvest 30% of the divested amount in sustainable funds, specifically positively screened companies and commingled funds by 2030.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Balik ‘14
CALS Representative

Anna-Lisa Castle ‘14
Co-President, KyotoNOW!

Rebecca Macies ‘14
Co-President, KyotoNOW!

(Reviewed by: Environmental Committee, 11/15/2012)

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