Students at the University of Oregon want the school to stop investing in the fossil fuel industry. Wednesday members of Divest UO rallied outside the administration building. The protest is part of a continued sit-in at U of O’s Johnson Hall.
Participants in the sit-in, which is in its 6th week, are urging President Michael Schill to publicly denounce the UO Foundation’s investments in fossil fuels.
Nicole Hendrix is a senior at the U of O.
Hendrix: “Basically what we’re asking is for the UO Foundation, which collects donor alumni money, to not be investing in oil companies.”
A red banner reading “Off Fossil Fuels” leans against a bush outside Johnson Hall.
Erik Jung is with Divest UO. He says the administration told the group the sign must be removed, which sparked Wednesday’s rally.
Jung: “I’m sure they don’t appreciate criticism of the administration right in front of the administrative building. But this is an act of protest.”
Tobin Klinger is a U of O spokesperson. He says it’s historic practice at the university not to allow signs on the sides of buildings and there are other places for students to communicate their messages.