Dear President Raley and Chancellor Kirwan,

In 2007, the University System of Maryland pledged to become carbon neutral by signing onto the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment. Each institution acknowledged the threat of climate change and indicated their dedication to fighting the fossil fuel industry. We sincerely commend these efforts, but cannot ignore one glaring omission: investments in the fossil fuel Industry.

If we pledge to make our institutions themselves carbon neutral, the funding for those institutions should be carbon neutral as well. As fossil fuels continue to be burned, global temperatures will continue to rise, and the effects of climate change will become increasingly prominent and increasingly destructive. The University System of Maryland should not be a partner to this destruction. Thus, we the undersigned, urge the University System of Maryland to:

Conduct a study assessing the financial implications of fossil fuel divestment and responsible reinvestment, to be completed no later than January 1st, 2015.

Following the completion of said study, if determined that divestment will not negatively impact USM finances, we demand an immediate freeze on new investments in the fossil fuel industry, and complete divestment and responsible reinvestment within 5 years.

We believe such actions will not only be a sound decision for the University System of Maryland's financial portfolio, but also for the well-being of its current and future graduating classes, who deserve the opportunity to graduate with a future not defined by climate chaos.