Stanford Students, Alumni Withhold Donations Until University Divests From Fossil Fuels

PALO ALTO, CA -- A group of students interrupted Stanford University's annual senior gift announcement Friday afternoon, in protest of the university's continued investment in the fossil fuel industry, according to Stanford student body officials. 

Student body officials said students from Fossil Free Stanford hung three banners from the student union building during a press conference with university advancement officers.

A student-organized pledge to not donate until Stanford divests its $22.2 billion endowment from the oil and gas industries has over 1,000 signatures from students and alumni. 

Student body officials said the graduates are leaving behind hundreds of underclassmen to carry on the campaign after they leave.

Stanford freshman Zhanpei Fang said in a statement, "By withholding my Senior Gift and all future donations until Stanford divests from fossil fuels, I am not simply expressing my dissatisfaction with Stanford; rather I am expressing hope that I can one day donate to a school whose investments match my values."

• Also see: Petition to Remove Judge In Stanford Sex Assault Case Garners 1 Million+ Signatures, Goes To CA Commission

--Bay City News/Photo via Fossil Free Stanford