Bowdoin Justice Coalition

Letter to the editor: BCA calls for action

To the Editors:
Last Friday, over 200 students gathered in David Saul Smith Union to reflect on experiences of fellow students and how they relate to five themes of justice, ranging from race to climate. Bowdoin Climate Action (BCA) reiterated its call for divestment and requested the appointment of a trustee as divestment liaison to the student body.
Since BCA met with the Board of Trustees in October, there have been 126 days of silence. In that time seven schools have committed to some form of fossil fuel divestment. Appointing a liaison is the next step towards Bowdoin becoming a leader for climate justice. Bowdoin must choose between the fossil fuel industry and climate justice. Whose side are you on?
Divestment is the tactic, but climate justice is the goal. It’s about more than carbon—it’s about a common fight against larger systems of oppression. The Meeting in the Union was just the first step, and we hope those interested in continuing this conversation will join us.
We invite everyone to the Polar Bear outside the Union every day at 4 p.m. for the climate justice minute to reflect on issues of climate justice and remind the Bowdoin community of the continued silence from our administration.
Julia Berkman-Hill ’17

Letter to the editor: Generation Climate Rising

To the editors:
In the fall, 100 Bowdoin students travelled to NYC for the People’s Climate March, a historic collection of people in support of a greener future. Now, another movement is starting in our own state of Maine, and it could be the perfect opportunity to unite different perspectives under the shared goal of protecting the environment and our future. If you have an opinion on how to solve the climate crisis, come to Generation Climate Rising and make your voice heard!
Governor Paul LePage is failing to protect Maine and its residents by vetoing policies that aim to make the state more sustainable. Maine citizens are currently at risk from warming waters and record snowfall which disproportionately affect indigenous groups and those who rely on Maine’s natural resources for income and industry. The burden of climate change will be passed to our generation. This is not just an environmental issue. This is an issue of justice.
Hundreds of students and citizens will march on the Blaine House in the biggest climate action in Maine’s history. Join Green Bowdoin and Bowdoin Climate Action as we march in Augusta. Let us remind our governor what our state motto—“Dirigo,” (I lead)—really means.
The march will take place on Saturday, April 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact mlemalbr@bowdoin.edu about transportation.
Come protect the common good. Come preserve Maine’s natural wealth. Come make history!
Sincerely,Maddie Lemal-Brown ’18Ellie Mersereau ’18

Letter to the editor

February 26, 2015

To the Editors:

I am a member of the Bowdoin Justice Coalition. This is our mission statement:

The Meeting in the Union was our first effort to bring to light some of the issues that plague our world and pervade our campus. Going forward, it is our mission to facilitate a continued dialogue between members of the community about these issues, and work together toward concrete change—toward equal opportunity and equal treatment at Bowdoin. With increased communication between students, administrators, faculty, and staff, we are optimistic that BJC will promote self-reflection, respect, a desire to learn, and a more urgent desire for progress. We envision a more integrated and inclusive culture here, and believe that real, institutional change is possible.

If you would like to get involved or have any questions, please email me at embsimon@gmail.com.

Emily Simon ’17

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