Principal Daniel Woolf has struck an Advisory Committee on Divestment of Fossil Fuels to examine a request from a student group, Queen’s Backing Action on Climate Change (QBACC), that would see the university divest its non-pension investments from companies engaged in fossil fuel extraction or distribution.

The university’s Board-approved Statement on Responsible Investing, which lays out a process for considering divestment requests, requires the Principal to strike an advisory committee when such a request is accompanied by a petition with at least 200 signatures from the Queen's community.

“I realize that there are strongly held views on both sides of the divestment debate, and I have asked the advisory committee to consult broadly within the university community,” says Principal Woolf. “The committee will also gather information from other universities that have considered divestment requests and will report back to me with their recommendations on what action, if any, should be taken.”

The advisory committee, which has just begun its work, includes representation from students, faculty, alumni, the university’s administration, University Council, and the Board of Trustees. A webpage will soon be created to provide the Queen’s community with further information about the committee and the process now underway, as well as opportunities for individuals and groups to comment on the issue.

Once the advisory committee concludes its work, the principal will take its recommendations to the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees, which will make a final decision in accordance with the Statement on Responsible Investing and the Statement on Investment Policies and Procedures.

For more information visit the advisory committee's webpage.