Correction appended
Fossil Free AU lined the outskirts of Butler Board Room on Feb. 24 protesting the Board of Trustees’ continued investment in the fossil fuel industry. They picketed silently, maintaining the power of their message while ensuring that their voices were heard without a hint of controversy. Student protesters should take notice and emulate their ways.
For one, their goals are tangible and realistic, which is not a claim every student protester can make. They simply lobby for divestment of endowment funds from fossil fuel stocks in the name of environmental justice. That is certainly an ambitious task, considering a lack of transparency by the AU Board of Trustees pertaining to the costs and benefits of divestment. But it is a concrete and doable task because it focuses on one specific initiative rather than a list of ideological goals.
Second, they put an obvious effort into marketing and coordinating their efforts. Their slogan “Vote yes to divest” is simple and catchy. The Divest Bot is one of the few recognized mascots on campus besides Clawed the Eagle. Their Feb. 24 protest was planned and executed concisely, ensuring recognition by placing FFAU representatives at every possible entrance to Butler Board Room. The protest was respectful, visual and easily presentable.
Finally, Fossil Free AU is admirable in its persistent willingness to deal face-to-face with the AU Board of Trustees, which is a confrontation that most students avoid. In less than a year they have protested multiple Board of Trustee meetings, influenced a student referendum vote and even managed to land a one-on-one meeting with President Neil Kerwin. Their efforts are gathering attention and those results prove it.
AU is one of the most politically active schools in the world. Student protests are no rarity. Students here like to be heard, and they like to show you how much they like to be heard. But sometimes that interest can stifle the true value of protest: to make a difference.
Fossil Free AU does not make that mistake. Whether they are holding up signs in Butler Pavillion, rallying on the quad or marching on the National Mall, they remain persistent, respectful and focused. No one ever forgets who they are or what they are here to do. It is in their name. It is in their slogan. It is in their every move and interaction.
They do make a difference. And so could you.-E
Correction: A former version of this staff editorial said Fossil Free AU promoted environmental sustainability instead of the corrected environmental justice.
