Located in Olympia, Washington, Evergreen State College has long been known for its progressive values, interdisciplinary education, and student-centered learning. Over the years, it has cultivated a reputation for activism, critical thinking, and ecological awareness. One of the most significant ways these values have taken shape is through its approach to financial decisions, particularly regarding investments. The decision by Evergreen State College to divest from certain industries has garnered attention, not just locally but nationally. This move has raised important discussions about ethical investing, climate change, and the role of educational institutions in promoting social justice.
Understanding Divestment
What Does Divestment Mean?
Divestment is the process of selling off assets, particularly stocks, bonds, or investment funds, for ethical, political, or financial reasons. In the context of colleges and universities, divestment typically refers to removing investments in industries such as fossil fuels, private prisons, weapons manufacturing, or companies involved in human rights violations.
Why Divest?
Divestment campaigns often aim to align an institution’s financial decisions with its mission and values. By divesting, a college like Evergreen can demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, equality, and ethical governance. Divesting sends a strong public message, encouraging other institutions and even governments to reevaluate their investments and make more responsible choices.
Evergreen State College’s Commitment to Ethical Investment
Background of Evergreen’s Values
Evergreen State College has a legacy of prioritizing social justice, environmental protection, and community engagement. This culture is reflected in its academic programs, student organizations, and administrative decisions. Calls for divestment were not a sudden event but rather the culmination of years of activism and policy review led by students, faculty, and alumni who urged the college to take financial actions that support its public stance on climate change and human rights.
Focus on Fossil Fuel Divestment
One of the primary areas of concern was fossil fuel investment. Evergreen students and staff expressed strong opposition to investing in oil, coal, and gas companies due to their role in accelerating climate change. By choosing to divest from fossil fuels, Evergreen positioned itself as a leader among public colleges in the climate justice movement.
- Divestment from companies involved in the extraction or production of fossil fuels
- Reinvestment in clean energy and sustainable technologies
- Commitment to transparency in endowment management
Timeline and Implementation of Divestment
Student Advocacy and Mobilization
Beginning around the early 2010s, student groups started pushing Evergreen to reconsider its investment portfolio. Using peaceful protests, petitions, and public forums, students made their case that financial support for industries contributing to environmental degradation was inconsistent with the college’s values.
Administrative Response
The administration formed task forces and conducted assessments to examine the feasibility and impact of divestment. After years of deliberation, Evergreen publicly announced a phased approach to fossil fuel divestment. This approach ensured the institution could responsibly shift its investments while maintaining the integrity of its endowment.
Milestones Achieved
- Divestment pledge announced to the public
- Independent review of current investments completed
- Gradual withdrawal from fossil fuel-related funds initiated
- Regular updates provided to the campus community
Impact of Evergreen’s Divestment
Setting an Example
Evergreen State College’s divestment strategy set a precedent for other colleges and institutions considering similar action. By demonstrating that it is possible to balance financial health with ethical responsibility, Evergreen inspired other organizations to evaluate their own investment policies.
Strengthening Campus Identity
This action reinforced the school’s identity as an institution that doesn’t just teach values in the classroom but practices them in decision-making. For students, it reaffirmed the idea that their voices matter and that institutional change is possible through persistence and collaboration.
Financial Considerations
Critics of divestment often argue that it may harm financial returns. However, Evergreen found ways to reallocate funds toward sustainable investments that were financially sound. The college partnered with investment firms specializing in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) portfolios to ensure responsible yet profitable investment strategies.
Looking Forward
Expanding Divestment Strategies
Fossil fuel divestment was just one piece of a broader ethical investment puzzle. Evergreen has continued to evaluate other areas for potential divestment, including private prison companies, weapons manufacturers, and entities with poor labor practices.
Educational Opportunities
Divestment has also become an educational tool. Faculty members have used it as a case study in economics, political science, and environmental studies courses. Students have engaged in hands-on research, portfolio analysis, and policy development as part of their academic growth.
Continued Accountability
Evergreen’s community continues to monitor its divestment progress. Committees have been established to provide oversight and accountability, ensuring that ethical investment remains a core pillar of the college’s financial and cultural policies.
Evergreen State College’s divestment initiative represents more than a financial shift it reflects a deep alignment with values that define the institution. By taking tangible steps to remove support for harmful industries and invest in sustainable alternatives, Evergreen has proven that ethical leadership and practical governance can go hand in hand. For students, educators, and leaders across the country, the divestment journey at Evergreen serves as both inspiration and a blueprint for meaningful change.