A group of Michigan Technological University students protest in downtown Houghton last year. The student group Keweenaw Youth Climate Action is calling on the University to divest from fossil fuel use and research. (Photo courtesy of Keweenaw Youth Climate Action)

HOUGHTON — A group of Michigan Technological University students is petitioning the university’s Board of Trustees to stop funding fossil fuel use and research. The Keweenaw Youth Climate Action (KYCA) is composed of members of the student body who say they are passionate about the environment, climate and sustainability.

Since 2019, KYCA has been urging Michigan Tech’s administration to not only divest from fossil fuels, but also to be more transparent with where the school’s money is invested.

According to a 2023 alumni survey, 82% of MTU alumni surveyed believe the school can and should value climate action, and 68% supported transparency when it comes to investments.

“We want to make people aware this is how much money is going into the fossil fuel industry, just from the endowment fund specifically. We want to make that transparent so people can see where their money is going.” said Lauren Gray, the current president of KYCA.

According to the group’s research, which the say has been supported by professors, alumni, and the student body, Michigan Tech has sunk at least 1.2 million dollars into fossil fuels.

KYCA says Michigan Tech works with investment firm Graystone, to handle its portfolio. Group members believe this may be part of the reason Michigan Tech and Graystone seem wary of sharing investment information, although Graystone does have the option to not invest in fossil fuels.

KYCA has submitted multiple petitions to the school’s administration, with the most recent outlining four long-term goals: disclose the investment portfolio, halt new investments into the fossil fuel industry, divest by an agreed upon date from current fossil fuel investments and make reinvestment choices in partnership with the student body, faculty, staff, and community members.

KYCA also believes that Tech’s investment in fossil fuels goes against the school’s values.

“Michigan Tech’s motto is that ‘tomorrow needs Michigan Tech'”, explained member Caelan Mead-O’Brien. “I think that if they’re trying to create the future, it’s antithetical to invest in fossil fuel companies, which are going to be negatively impacting our future.”

The group noted how Michigan Tech is lagging behind other schools in divestment transparency. According to member Lexi Tater, “Other universities are doing it, other universities have set goals and Michigan Tech is behind, and doesn’t want to be behind. We’re an innovator school, but we’re behind in this, and this is a really huge deal.”

Despite getting positive feedback from faculty and fellow students KYCA hasn’t received much feedback or follow-up from the school itself.

“Knowing that (the administration) has the option to do something about it and that they are choosing not to is shocking.” said Gray.

“We have been working with the university and they have listened to our proposals, but again, there has not been as much action taken as we would like.”

When asked to comment on the KYCA petition and requests, a spokesperson from Michigan Tech responded, “The University is aware of the Keweenaw Youth for Climate Action and their efforts.”

For more information on the divestment project, or to find out how you can get involved, view the petition here. To contact KYCA with questions, comments, or concerns, reach out to kyca@mtu.edu.