Hello all!

As you may or may not know, the University of South Florida currently invests in private prisons (corrections corporation of America and G4S), oil interests (BP and Energy Transfer Partners (DAPL), and companies that perpetuate violence and are complicit in human rights violations (Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and 3M).

Student Government in collaboration with some progressive student organizations have put forth a divestment referendum (referendum #3) to be voted on by the student body (which includes grad students) this Monday.

The referendum reads as follows: USF divest from fossil fuels, private prisons, and companies complicit in human rights violations.  Referendum resolution:  Let it be resolved that we the students have voiced support for divestment repeatedly, and request USF Foundation to create a socially responsible investment (SRI) committee so that we may divest from fossil fuels, private prisons, and companies complicit in human rights violations; with a copy of this resolution sent to the Faculty Senate and Staff Senate to call for support from their respective bodies.

There is a real possibility that this referendum may fail to pass on Monday. Most students do not vote and if they do, there is a risk they might forget to vote YES on 3 due to the long confusing format of the voting website. So I am urging you all to participate in the Student Government elections this Monday and vote YES on 3.

If you are interested in more information on this or anything else on the SG ballot this Monday there will be a meeting this Sunday night at 8pm on campus at the MSC amphitheater to discuss the plans for the voting week. All are invited so feel free to come out and get more information.