McMaster University holds $22.2 million of investments in fossil fuels, despite an organizational commitment to creating a Brighter World. On MARCH 25th, from 12 – 3 pm, Mac Divest and Fridays for Future Hamilton are calling for a SCHOOL-WIDE WALKOUT of classes, tutorials, and seminars to demand that the University Board of Governors formalize a commitment to never again investing in fossil fuels, removing their current holdings, and reinvesting funds into green technologies.

UPDATE: Due to a lack of action from the Board of Governors, we are calling an in-person strike outside University Hall and Gilmour Hall at 12 pm on the 25th. See you there!

Why should McMaster divest?

To send a message to current and prospective students, alumni, faculty, and the Hamilton community that McMaster University is committed to securing a sustainable future.
To hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their knowing contributions to climate change, land degradation, displacement of Indigenous peoples, pollution of water and air, human rights violations, and contributions to global inequity and poverty.
To make the more financially responsible choice. Not one of the top 15 companies on the S&P 500 is invested in fossil fuels, and clean energy portfolios have outperformed the rest of the S&P energy sector by 378% since 2013.

What does your support mean?

Despite almost two years of student activism, McMaster University’s Board of Governor’s has not budged on the matter of divestment. We need your help to show the Board of Governor’s how many community members, students, staff, faculty, and alumni are willing to hold the University accountable. We need you to show them that you care, and you are watching. We need your help to create real change at our institution. SIGN TODAY to lift your voice in the ever-growing divestment movement. We need you.

McMaster Students: We ask that, if you are able, you strike from your lectures, tutorials, and seminars from 12-3 pm on the 25th. Even if you are unable to strike, sign on to affirm your support for the strike.

McMaster Faculty: With the support of the McMaster University Faculty Association, we ask that you cancel your lectures, tutorials, and seminars occurring during the strike time. If you are unable to cancel your classes, we ask that you sign on, and excuse your students from any participation components of your classes so that they may participate.

McMaster Alumni and Staff: We ask that you sign on, to show the Board of Governor’s that their whole community is watching. We also ask that alumni sign onto our non-donation pledge and commit to withholding donations until the University divests.

Hamilton Community Members: McMaster University is one of the largest employers in Hamilton, and a pillar of power in our community. Sign on to show the Board of Governors that Hamilton is watching.

Thank you for your support and for uniting alongside us to demand change from McMaster.

Sincerely,

Nina Tran
Project Coordinator
McMaster Divestment Project
Fridays for Future Hamilton
McMaster University 

Mymoon Bhuiyan
Project Coordinator
McMaster Divestment Project
Fridays for Future Hamilton
McMaster University

Felicia Mikrogianakis
Administrative Coordinator
Fridays for Future Hamilton
McMaster University