Sterling College says it’s going to divest its endowment of stocks in fossil fuel companies as a way to help combat global warming.
Sterling says it will be the first Vermont college and the third college in the US to divest from 200 fossil fuel companies identified by activists in an effort to move higher education toward fossil-free investment.
The Sterling board of trustees voted unanimously last week to divest. Sterling’s endowment is about $920,000. The school did not say how much of it is in fossil fuel stocks.
Sterling President Matthew Derr says the college’s focus on food, water, health, energy, and sustainable agriculture compel it to divest.
Derr says they hope to inspire other colleges and universities to do the same.