Investments

Ever-increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the resultant climate change, have led to an international movement for the divestment of fossil-fuel related equities from the portfolios of many colleges and universities. This movement has reached Skidmore, where in the past year a number of voices at the college have asked that Skidmore divest its fossil fuel holdings.  

Skidmore has recognized the important role that institutions of higher education must play in major societal issues, and this is reflected in our institutional strategic goal of preparing every student to make the choices of an informed, responsible citizen at home and in the world. Furthermore, the college recognizes the deep connection between a commitment to responsible citizenship and institutional behavior—especially in the realm of environmental awareness and sustainability. As a result, Skidmore has made significant progress in improving the sustainability of its operations.

In the spirit of transparency and shared governance, the Board of Trustees authorized the creation of a task force to "consider the various complexities and implications relating to the call for divestment" and to make a recommendation to the Board regarding divestment. This recommendation is now due to the Board by May 2015.

The Task Force on Divestment is committed to engaging in a consultative and transparent process with all of the College’s constituencies: students, faculty, staff, alumni and others.

We have created this website to further the ongoing discussion on divestment and to provide useful background information, updates on the task force’s deliberations, announcements of open meetings and other opportunities to foster interaction and conversation.