September 20, 2019

Recognizing and prioritizing sustainability as one of its guiding principles, the Simon Fraser Student Society’s (SFSS) Board of Directors fully support the Global Climate Strike and are calling an end to fossil fuel investment on campus and around the globe.

“It is very encouraging to see students at the forefront fighting for action on this climate crisis in the absence of government action,” said SFSS President Giovanni HoSang. “Students have been a central pillar in many movements in the past, from civil rights, to now addressing the climate crisis. It is important that student activists and allies alike continue to make their voices heard that governments and institutions need to take more drastic action.”

A Global Climate Strike is occurring worldwide on September 20th and 27th. We encourage students to exercise their right to demand action from their government and academic institution and declare a climate emergency. The local climate day of action will take place at Vancouver City Hall from 1pm to 4pm on Friday, September 27th. More information can be found at https://climatestrike.org/

“Humanity is at a crossroads and urgent action is needed,” said Sylvia Ceacero, SFSS executive director. “The Simon Fraser Student Society supports its members and the millions of students around the world who are demanding that their governments take concrete action on the climate crisis. In support of students, I will be at the global strike event in Vancouver, to demand a sustainable future for all.”

On behalf of our members, we have sent a request to the university to stand in solidarity with millions around the world and grant academic amnesty to students attending the strike, ensuring no student is penalized for class absences during this time.

In a recent release, SFU President Andrew Petter notes “SFU recognizes that climate change poses an existential threat to the future of our planet… The University has therefore made a strong commitment to countering climate change, and is taking action to reduce our carbon footprint, to encourage climate change research, and to deliver academic and community programming concerning climate change and related environmental issues.” Read the recommended guidelines for the campus community participating in the Global Strike activities here.

Full statement here.