How Victoria College Divested from Fossil Fuels - Revision history

Ayo901 at 16:51, 30 April 2026

2026-04-30T16:51:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:51, 30 April 2026
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	<p>[https://en.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/Divestment Divestment] from fossil fuels is one of several strategies used by the climate justice movement to advance its goals. These campaigns became widespread across university campuses in the 2010s.</p>		<p>[https://en.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/Divestment Divestment] from fossil fuels is one of several strategies used by the climate justice movement to advance its goals. These campaigns became widespread across university campuses in the 2010s.</p>
	<p>At the University of Toronto, the campaign for fossil fuel divestment lasted over a decade. It began with the formation of Toronto350 and its campus branch UofT350 in June 2012, with a “re-launch” of the campaign occurring after the formation of LeapUofT in the fall of 2016. LeapUofT was formed a few months after Meric Gertler, the UofT president at the time, rejected fossil fuel divestment, against the recommendation of his advisory committee. Leap began supporting divestment campaigns of the university’s federated colleges, including Victoria College. <ref>Amanda Harvey-Sánchez, ''U of T Fossil Fuel Divestment Timeline'', 2022. https://utoronto.scholaris.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/d57aea4f-3485-4c94-8533-45c2e128b011/content</ref> </p>		<p>At the University of Toronto, the campaign for fossil fuel divestment lasted over a decade. It began with the formation of Toronto350 and its campus branch UofT350 in June 2012, with a “re-launch” of the campaign occurring after the formation of LeapUofT in the fall of 2016. LeapUofT was formed a few months after Meric Gertler, the UofT president at the time, rejected fossil fuel divestment, against the recommendation of his advisory committee. Leap began supporting divestment campaigns of the university’s federated colleges, including Victoria College. <ref>Amanda Harvey-Sánchez, ''U of T Fossil Fuel Divestment Timeline'', 2022. https://utoronto.scholaris.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/d57aea4f-3485-4c94-8533-45c2e128b011/content</ref> </p>
	<p>After almost a decade of student activism, Gertler announced the decision to divest the UofT endowment on October 27, 2021. <ref>Meric S. Gertler, "Letter to the Community: Divestment, Net Zero and a Climate Positive Campus," ''Office of the President''. https://president.utoronto.ca/letter-to-the-community-divestment-net-zero-and-a-climate-positive-campus/</ref> A comprehensive summary of the University of Toronto campaign, as well as insights about the movement and the divestment decision, can be found in [https://utoronto.scholaris.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/d57aea4f-3485-4c94-8533-45c2e128b011/content this working paper] by Amanda Harvey-Sánchez, [https://briarpatchmagazine.com/articles/view/divestment-and-beyond this article] by Harvey-Sánchez and Sydney Lang, and through the [https://~~climatejusticeto~~.~~com~~/~~radio~~/ Divestment Generation podcast miniseries].</p>		<p>After almost a decade of student activism, Gertler announced the decision to divest the UofT endowment on October 27, 2021. <ref>Meric S. Gertler, "Letter to the Community: Divestment, Net Zero and a Climate Positive Campus," ''Office of the President''. https://president.utoronto.ca/letter-to-the-community-divestment-net-zero-and-a-climate-positive-campus/</ref> A comprehensive summary of the University of Toronto campaign, as well as insights about the movement and the divestment decision, can be found in [https://utoronto.scholaris.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/d57aea4f-3485-4c94-8533-45c2e128b011/content this working paper] by Amanda Harvey-Sánchez, [https://briarpatchmagazine.com/articles/view/divestment-and-beyond this article] by Harvey-Sánchez and Sydney Lang, and through the [https://hdl.handle.net/1807/129489 Divestment Generation podcast miniseries].</p>
	<p>UofT’s commitment to divest did not apply to the federated colleges. UofT has 7 undergraduate colleges, 3 of which (Victoria, Trinity, and St. Michael’s) are federated. These colleges have their own administration and are governed separately from the larger university. '''They are technically separate universities, have their own endowments, and are financially independent. As a result, these colleges needed to make their own, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-uMH4WN6_695Qp5rraDbC5_KnSDrEexnLdLCNiwg6Pw/edit?tab=t.0 separate commitments to divestment]'''.</p>		<p>UofT’s commitment to divest did not apply to the federated colleges. UofT has 7 undergraduate colleges, 3 of which (Victoria, Trinity, and St. Michael’s) are federated. These colleges have their own administration and are governed separately from the larger university. '''They are technically separate universities, have their own endowments, and are financially independent. As a result, these colleges needed to make their own, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-uMH4WN6_695Qp5rraDbC5_KnSDrEexnLdLCNiwg6Pw/edit?tab=t.0 separate commitments to divestment]'''.</p>
	<p>Within a year of Gertler’s divestment announcement, the campaign to push for divestment at Victoria College became a focus. Vic had between $6 to $9 million in indirect investments in fossil fuels, about 3.5% of the college’s endowment. <ref>Rhonda McEwen, "Letter to the Community," ''Victoria College'', April 6, 2023. https://vic.utoronto.ca/news/letter-to-the-community</ref> Additionally, Vic owned an active oil well in Saskatchewan, bequeathed by an alum. <ref>"Mary Mounfield," ''Chancellors' Circle of Benefactors'', n.d. https://www.chancellorscircle.utoronto.ca/members/mary-mounfield/</ref> </p>		<p>Within a year of Gertler’s divestment announcement, the campaign to push for divestment at Victoria College became a focus. Vic had between $6 to $9 million in indirect investments in fossil fuels, about 3.5% of the college’s endowment. <ref>Rhonda McEwen, "Letter to the Community," ''Victoria College'', April 6, 2023. https://vic.utoronto.ca/news/letter-to-the-community</ref> Additionally, Vic owned an active oil well in Saskatchewan, bequeathed by an alum. <ref>"Mary Mounfield," ''Chancellors' Circle of Benefactors'', n.d. https://www.chancellorscircle.utoronto.ca/members/mary-mounfield/</ref> </p>

Ayo901 at 19:39, 22 April 2026

2026-04-22T19:39:54Z

Ayo901 at 19:30, 22 April 2026

2026-04-22T19:30:16Z

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Ayo901: /* Background: Divestment at UofT */

2026-04-20T18:47:43Z

Background: Divestment at UofT

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:47, 20 April 2026
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	= Background: Divestment at UofT =		= Background: Divestment at UofT =
	<p>[https://en.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/Divestment Divestment] from fossil fuels is one of several strategies used by the climate justice movement to advance its goals. These campaigns became widespread across university campuses in the 2010s.</p>		<p>[https://en.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/Divestment Divestment] from fossil fuels is one of several strategies used by the climate justice movement to advance its goals. These campaigns became widespread across university campuses in the 2010s.</p>
	<p>At the University of Toronto, the campaign for fossil fuel divestment lasted over a decade. It began with the formation of Toronto350 and its campus branch UofT350 in June 2012, with a “re-launch” of the campaign occurring after the formation of LeapUofT in the fall of 2016. LeapUofT was formed a few months after Meric Gertler, the UofT president at the time, rejected fossil fuel divestment, against the recommendation of his advisory committee. Leap began supporting divestment campaigns of the university’s federated colleges, including Victoria College.~~</p>~~		<p>At the University of Toronto, the campaign for fossil fuel divestment lasted over a decade. It began with the formation of Toronto350 and its campus branch UofT350 in June 2012, with a “re-launch” of the campaign occurring after the formation of LeapUofT in the fall of 2016. LeapUofT was formed a few months after Meric Gertler, the UofT president at the time, rejected fossil fuel divestment, against the recommendation of his advisory committee. Leap began supporting divestment campaigns of the university’s federated colleges, including Victoria College.<ref>Amanda Harvey-Sánchez, ''U of T Fossil Fuel Divestment Timeline'', 2022. https://utoronto.scholaris.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/d57aea4f-3485-4c94-8533-45c2e128b011/content</ref></p>
	<ref>Amanda Harvey-Sánchez, ''U of T Fossil Fuel Divestment Timeline'', 2022. https://utoronto.scholaris.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/d57aea4f-3485-4c94-8533-45c2e128b011/content</ref>
	<p>After almost a decade of student activism, Gertler announced the decision to divest the UofT endowment on October 27, 2021. <ref>Meric S. Gertler, "Letter to the Community: Divestment, Net Zero and a Climate Positive Campus," ''Office of the President''. https://president.utoronto.ca/letter-to-the-community-divestment-net-zero-and-a-climate-positive-campus/</ref> A comprehensive summary of the University of Toronto campaign, as well as insights about the movement and the divestment decision, can be found in [https://utoronto.scholaris.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/d57aea4f-3485-4c94-8533-45c2e128b011/content this working paper] by Amanda Harvey-Sánchez, [https://briarpatchmagazine.com/articles/view/divestment-and-beyond this article] by Harvey-Sánchez and Sydney Lang, and through the [https://climatejusticeto.com/radio/ Divestment Generation podcast miniseries].</p>		<p>After almost a decade of student activism, Gertler announced the decision to divest the UofT endowment on October 27, 2021. <ref>Meric S. Gertler, "Letter to the Community: Divestment, Net Zero and a Climate Positive Campus," ''Office of the President''. https://president.utoronto.ca/letter-to-the-community-divestment-net-zero-and-a-climate-positive-campus/</ref> A comprehensive summary of the University of Toronto campaign, as well as insights about the movement and the divestment decision, can be found in [https://utoronto.scholaris.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/d57aea4f-3485-4c94-8533-45c2e128b011/content this working paper] by Amanda Harvey-Sánchez, [https://briarpatchmagazine.com/articles/view/divestment-and-beyond this article] by Harvey-Sánchez and Sydney Lang, and through the [https://climatejusticeto.com/radio/ Divestment Generation podcast miniseries].</p>
	<p>UofT’s commitment to divest did not apply to the federated colleges. UofT has 7 undergraduate colleges, 3 of which (Victoria, Trinity, and St. Michael’s) are federated. These colleges have their own administration and are governed separately from the larger university. '''They are technically separate universities, have their own endowments, and are financially independent. As a result, these colleges needed to make their own, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-uMH4WN6_695Qp5rraDbC5_KnSDrEexnLdLCNiwg6Pw/edit?tab=t.0 separate commitments to divestment]'''.</p>		<p>UofT’s commitment to divest did not apply to the federated colleges. UofT has 7 undergraduate colleges, 3 of which (Victoria, Trinity, and St. Michael’s) are federated. These colleges have their own administration and are governed separately from the larger university. '''They are technically separate universities, have their own endowments, and are financially independent. As a result, these colleges needed to make their own, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-uMH4WN6_695Qp5rraDbC5_KnSDrEexnLdLCNiwg6Pw/edit?tab=t.0 separate commitments to divestment]'''.</p>
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	*UofT campaign participants interviewed for Climate Justice Radio’s Divestment Generation miniseries discussed facing “delays and secrecy” from the university. <ref>"Divest Generation Mini Series: Episode 1," 23:00 minutes, ''Climate Justice Radio''. https://climatejusticeto.com/radio/</ref>		*UofT campaign participants interviewed for Climate Justice Radio’s Divestment Generation miniseries discussed facing “delays and secrecy” from the university. <ref>"Divest Generation Mini Series: Episode 1," 23:00 minutes, ''Climate Justice Radio''. https://climatejusticeto.com/radio/</ref>
	*Lang and Harvey-Sánchez state in their 2022 article: “The university benefited from the way we “civilly” and “rationally” played the inside game, and the university’s rejection of divestment in 2016 reveals the risks and consequences of such an approach.” <ref>Lang and Harvey-Sánchez, "Divestment and beyond," ''Briarpatch'', May 4, 2022. https://briarpatchmagazine.com/articles/view/divestment-and-beyond</ref>		*Lang and Harvey-Sánchez state in their 2022 article: “The university benefited from the way we “civilly” and “rationally” played the inside game, and the university’s rejection of divestment in 2016 reveals the risks and consequences of such an approach.” <ref>Lang and Harvey-Sánchez, "Divestment and beyond," ''Briarpatch'', May 4, 2022. https://briarpatchmagazine.com/articles/view/divestment-and-beyond</ref>
	*The UofT campaign revealed that the university was concerned about a possible sit-in. <ref>Facebook post from UofT 350.org. https://www.facebook.com/share/1AuGwj3SBy/</ref>		*The UofT campaign revealed that the university was concerned about a possible sit-in. <ref>Facebook post from UofT 350.org. https://www.facebook.com/share/1AuGwj3SBy/</ref>

	= Actors =		= Actors =

Ayo901 at 21:43, 14 April 2026

2026-04-14T21:43:08Z

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Ayo901: /* Impact of the UofT campaign on Divest Vic */

2026-04-14T21:40:45Z

Impact of the UofT campaign on Divest Vic

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	*UofT campaign participants interviewed for Climate Justice Radio’s Divestment Generation miniseries discussed facing “delays and secrecy” from the university.<ref>"Divest Generation Mini Series: Episode 1," 23:00 minutes, ''Climate Justice Radio''. https://climatejusticeto.com/radio/</ref>		*UofT campaign participants interviewed for Climate Justice Radio’s Divestment Generation miniseries discussed facing “delays and secrecy” from the university.<ref>"Divest Generation Mini Series: Episode 1," 23:00 minutes, ''Climate Justice Radio''. https://climatejusticeto.com/radio/</ref>
	*Lang and Harvey-Sánchez state in their 2022 article: “The university benefited from the way we “civilly” and “rationally” played the inside game, and the university’s rejection of divestment in 2016 reveals the risks and consequences of such an approach.”<ref>Lang and Harvey-Sánchez, "Divestment and beyond," ''Briarpatch'', May 4, 2022. https://briarpatchmagazine.com/articles/view/divestment-and-beyond</ref>		*Lang and Harvey-Sánchez state in their 2022 article: “The university benefited from the way we “civilly” and “rationally” played the inside game, and the university’s rejection of divestment in 2016 reveals the risks and consequences of such an approach.”<ref>Lang and Harvey-Sánchez, "Divestment and beyond," ''Briarpatch'', May 4, 2022. https://briarpatchmagazine.com/articles/view/divestment-and-beyond</ref>
	*The UofT campaign revealed that the university was concerned about a possible sit-in.<ref>Facebook post from UofT 350.org. https://www.facebook.com/share/1AuGwj3SBy/<ref>		*The UofT campaign revealed that the university was concerned about a possible sit-in.<ref>Facebook post from UofT 350.org. https://www.facebook.com/share/1AuGwj3SBy/</ref>

	= Actors =		= Actors =

Ayo901 at 21:40, 14 April 2026

2026-04-14T21:40:03Z

Ayo901 at 21:20, 14 April 2026

2026-04-14T21:20:20Z

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Ayo901 at 20:47, 14 April 2026

2026-04-14T20:47:27Z

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Ayo901 at 20:34, 10 April 2026

2026-04-10T20:34:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:39, 22 April 2026
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
	<p>This article discusses '''Divest Vic''', the campaign for fossil fuel divestment at Victoria College, a federated college at the University of Toronto (UofT). <ref>Olivia Chen, "The Explainer: Federated colleges," ''The Varsity'', September 19, 2016. https://thevarsity.ca/2016/09/19/the-explainer-federated-colleges/</ref> The timeline for this campaign begins during the UofT divestment campaign, starting from Fall of 2018. Following several years of campaigning, activists engaged in an 18-day occupation of the Victoria College building (also referred to as Old Vic). <ref>Abdul Martin Sarfraz, " ‘We will not leave’: University students dig in heels at fossil fuel divestment protest ," ''National Observer'', April 11, 2023. https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/04/11/news/we-will-not-leave-university-students-dig-heels-fossil-fuel-divestment-protest</ref> The announcement by the university administration to commit to divestment was made on April 13, 2023, after which students left the building.</p>		<p>This article discusses '''Divest Vic''', the campaign for fossil fuel divestment at Victoria College, a federated college at the University of Toronto (UofT). <ref>Olivia Chen, "The Explainer: Federated colleges," ''The Varsity'', September 19, 2016. https://thevarsity.ca/2016/09/19/the-explainer-federated-colleges/</ref> The timeline for this campaign begins during the UofT divestment campaign, starting from Fall of 2018. Following several years of campaigning, activists engaged in an 18-day occupation of the Victoria College building (also referred to as Old Vic). <ref>Abdul Martin Sarfraz, " ‘We will not leave’: University students dig in heels at fossil fuel divestment protest ," ''National Observer'', April 11, 2023. https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/04/11/news/we-will-not-leave-university-students-dig-heels-fossil-fuel-divestment-protest</ref> The announcement by the university administration to commit to divestment was made on April 13, 2023, after which students left the building.<ref>Jessie Schwalb, "Victoria University agrees to divest from fossil fuel companies by 2030," ''The Varsity'', April 13, 2023. https://thevarsity.ca/2023/04/13/victoria-university-agrees-to-divest-from-fossil-fuel-companies-by-2030/ </ref></p>

	<ref>Jessie Schwalb, "Victoria University agrees to divest from fossil fuel companies by 2030," ''The Varsity'', April 13, 2023. https://thevarsity.ca/2023/04/13/victoria-university-agrees-to-divest-from-fossil-fuel-companies-by-2030/ </ref> [[File:All eyes on vic.jpg\|600px\|thumb\|Banner at the Climate Justice UofT occupation of the Old Vic building.]]		[[File:All eyes on vic.jpg\|600px\|thumb\|Banner at the Climate Justice UofT occupation of the Old Vic building.]]
	<p>This case study explores:</p>		<p>This case study explores:</p>
	*Policy windows and points of entry within university institutions		*Policy windows and points of entry within university institutions
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	'''VUSAC Sustainability Commission'''		'''VUSAC Sustainability Commission'''
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	A group within the Victoria University Students’ Administrative Council (VUSAC), Vic’s student government. Responsible for promoting climate justice initiatives and sustainable practices and policies at Vic. <ref>''Victoria University Students' Administrative Council Constitution'', revised March 2025. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-R4ZLKRdQ_Q3Z-5x_qU1VkIx5YSkpyz76dyq3-E-Ju0/edit?tab=t.0 </ref> .		A group within the Victoria University Students’ Administrative Council (VUSAC), Vic’s student government. Responsible for promoting climate justice initiatives and sustainable practices and policies at Vic. <ref>''Victoria University Students' Administrative Council Constitution'', revised March 2025. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-R4ZLKRdQ_Q3Z-5x_qU1VkIx5YSkpyz76dyq3-E-Ju0/edit?tab=t.0 </ref>
	\|- style="height: 23px;"		\|- style="height: 23px;"
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	In January and February, a student on the BoR attempts to bring a motion to divest at an upcoming Board meeting and is informed that this motion needs to be brought through the Committees.		In January and February, a student on the BoR attempts to bring a motion to divest at an upcoming Board meeting and is informed that this motion needs to be brought through the Committees.

	Based on the BoR’s suggestion, students deliver a presentation to the Investment Committee on March 9 providing rationale for divestment, risks of fossil fuel investment, expectations from the Board, and immediate demands.		Based on the BoR’s suggestion, students deliver a presentation to the Investment Committee on March 9 providing a rationale for divestment, risks of fossil fuel investment, expectations from the Board, and immediate demands.<ref>"Divestment at Vic," presentation to a special Investment Committee Meeting on 9 March, 2022. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/15BoE-jxxd1Yg4LPGpwLM_6-eAQOjpB9adRNjrmVcxGE/edit?slide=id.p#slide=id.p</ref>


	Students on the BoR push for a student position on the Investment Committee, which the Board agrees to for the next academic year.		Students on the BoR push for a student position on the Investment Committee, which the Board agrees to for the next academic year.
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	*Banks off campus		*Banks off campus
	*Fossil free research		*Fossil free research
	In June, the BoR Executive Committee requests reports from incoming President McEwen, the Property Committee, and the Investment Committee.		In June, the BoR Executive Committee requests reports from incoming President McEwen, the Property Committee, and the Investment Committee.<ref>Confidential document provided by campaign member</ref>

	Rhonda McEwen takes office as President of Victoria College in July. As reported by McEwen at a VUSAC Caucus meeting in March 2023, she receives a “Presidential Report” discussing divestment and “comparing and contrasting” Vic’s situation with UofT’s. <ref>Victoria University Students' Administrative Council, "Draft: 030323 Winter Caucus Minutes," March 3, 2023. https://docs.google.com/document/d/12tOBckqXKe5eaK8j344jd1czJhgdhHoMlcqADlVCKBc/edit?tab=t.0</ref>		Rhonda McEwen takes office as President of Victoria College in July. As reported by McEwen at a VUSAC Caucus meeting in March 2023, she receives a “Presidential Report” discussing divestment and “comparing and contrasting” Vic’s situation with UofT’s. <ref>Victoria University Students' Administrative Council, "Draft: 030323 Winter Caucus Minutes," March 3, 2023. https://docs.google.com/document/d/12tOBckqXKe5eaK8j344jd1czJhgdhHoMlcqADlVCKBc/edit?tab=t.0</ref>
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	== Targeting Victoria College ==		== Targeting Victoria College ==
	<p>Victoria College was targeted early on by LeapUofT out of the 3 federated colleges. According to Divest Vic documents and participants, there were several reasons for this:</p>		<p>Victoria College was targeted early on by LeapUofT out of the 3 federated colleges. According to Divest Vic documents and participants, there were several reasons for this:</p>
	*Vic has the '''largest endowment''' of the three colleges and is believed to have more influence. <ref>Climate Justice UofT, ''DIVEST THE FEDERATED COLLEGES''. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-uMH4WN6_695Qp5rraDbC5_KnSDrEexnLdLCNiwg6Pw/edit?tab=t.0</ref> Organizers hoped that Vic’s divestment would provide “more incentive for the other colleges to do it.”		*Vic has the '''largest endowment''' of the three colleges and is believed to have more influence. <ref>Climate Justice UofT, ''DIVEST THE FEDERATED COLLEGES''. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-uMH4WN6_695Qp5rraDbC5_KnSDrEexnLdLCNiwg6Pw/edit?tab=t.0</ref> Organizers hoped that Vic’s divestment would provide “more incentive for the other colleges to do it.”<ref>Anonymous interview 1.</ref>
	**The remaining 2 federated colleges announced their divestment decisions within a few months of Vic.		**The remaining 2 federated colleges announced their divestment decisions within a few months of Vic.
	*'''The Board of Regents''' at Vic has student representation. 4 students are elected from the student body, which CJUofT was able to take advantage of by getting their members elected. <ref>Anonymous interviews 1, 2, and 3.</ref> Although the votes of these students did not have any real effect on BoR decisions, it improved the organizers’ access to information. According to one participant, the BoR made it “much easier to have that kind of transparency…and be in the know. It was easier for CJUofT to be aware of what was happening.” <ref>Anonymous interview 1.</ref>		*'''The Board of Regents''' at Vic has student representation. 4 students are elected from the student body, which CJUofT was able to take advantage of by getting their members elected. <ref>Anonymous interviews 1, 2, and 3.</ref> Although the votes of these students did not have any real effect on BoR decisions, it improved the organizers’ access to information. According to one participant, the BoR made it “much easier to have that kind of transparency…and be in the know. It was easier for CJUofT to be aware of what was happening.” <ref>Anonymous interview 1.</ref>
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	*Bring divestment demands directly to university administration		*Bring divestment demands directly to university administration
	*Push for divestment discussions in official BoR meetings and town halls with both students and admin present, where admin would publicly endorse divestment		*Push for divestment discussions in official BoR meetings and town halls with both students and admin present, where admin would publicly endorse divestment
	***This involved discussing the financial and social risk of investment in fossil fuels and the importance of divestment for Vic’s reputation. Occupation organizers confirmed that the risk to reputation continues to be leveraged later when escalating the campaign.		**This involved discussing the financial and social risk of investment in fossil fuels and the importance of divestment for Vic’s reputation.<ref>Anonymous interview 4 and documents provided by campaign member</ref> Occupation organizers confirmed that the risk to reputation continues to be leveraged later when escalating the campaign.<ref>Anonymous interview 1 and 2.</ref>
	***Working with the BoR Chair Cynthia Chrysler was helpful in pushing for divestment and having concerns heard during the 2021/22 school year.		**Working with the BoR Chair Cynthia Chrysler was helpful in pushing for divestment and having concerns heard during the 2021/22 school year.<ref>Anonymous interview 4.</ref>
	*Establish connections with Vic student organizations		*Establish connections with Vic student organizations
	*Gain access to information that helped when planning protest actions		*Gain access to information that helped when planning protest actions
	**Knowing about BoR meeting agendas in advance informed the decision to protest a during meeting in February		**Knowing about BoR meeting agendas in advance informed the decision to protest a during meeting in February
	**Knowing about BoR members' views helped “in forming our campaign…it was really good for gauging how angry folks in there were.” <ref>Anonymous interview 2.</ref>		**Knowing about BoR members' views helped “in forming our campaign…it was really good for gauging how angry folks in there were.” <ref>Anonymous interview 2.</ref>
	*Student efforts in 2021 led to the BoR asking the Property Committee, the Investment Committee, and President McEwen to produce reports regarding divestment, to be submitted by January 2023.~~&nbsp~~;		*Student efforts in 2021 led to the BoR asking the Property Committee, the Investment Committee, and President McEwen to produce reports regarding divestment, to be submitted by January 2023.<ref>Climate Justice UofT, ''All Eyes on Vic''; and documentation provided by organizers.</ref>
	***McEwen to report on how much UofT’s divestment decision applies to Vic’s situation		**McEwen to report on how much UofT’s divestment decision applies to Vic’s situation
	***Property Committee to report on pros and cons of Vic implementing similar plans and timelines as UofT for properties that are part of Vic’s endowment		**Property Committee to report on pros and cons of Vic implementing similar plans and timelines as UofT for properties that are part of Vic’s endowment
	***Investment Committee to report on pros and cons of Vic implementing similar plans and timelines for the Victoria University Endowment Fund<br>		**Investment Committee to report on pros and cons of Vic implementing similar plans and timelines for the Victoria University Endowment Fund<br>
	*Student advocacy on the BoR pushed them to allow a student to join the Investment Committee for the 2022/23 academic year.		*Student advocacy on the BoR pushed them to allow a student to join the Investment Committee for the 2022/23 academic year.
	*The final decision to occupy Old Vic and the timing of the occupation were based on information provided by BoR members. <ref>Anonymous interview 3.</ref>		*The final decision to occupy Old Vic and the timing of the occupation were based on information provided by BoR members. <ref>Anonymous interview 3.</ref>
	*One student involved with campaigning and communicating with the BoR believes that “there were a lot of times that I didn't feel like they were taking us seriously.”		*One student involved with campaigning and communicating with the BoR believes that “there were a lot of times that I didn't feel like they were taking us seriously.”<ref>Anonymous interview 4.</ref>
	*Organizers decided to escalate when it was understood that the reports would not be publicized, and after communications with admin were not yielding results or satisfactory responses. '''Organizers were concerned about this lack of transparency and about a potential vote against divestment in the coming months, which would “set it back for a really long time'''.” They believed this was an emergency situation and they needed to increase pressure on the college to avoid this setback. <ref>Anonymous interview 3.</ref>		*Organizers decided to escalate when it was understood that the reports would not be publicized, and after communications with admin were not yielding results or satisfactory responses. '''Organizers were concerned about this lack of transparency and about a potential vote against divestment in the coming months, which would “set it back for a really long time'''.” They believed this was an emergency situation and they needed to increase pressure on the college to avoid this setback. <ref>Anonymous interview 3.</ref>
	<p>This kind of background work is important to ensure that disruptive action is actually helpful to the cause or even possible to do in the first place. Disruptive actions, especially against an institution like a university which has direct power over students, can be costly. Students are risking their reputation and position within the university and community. Occupying a building is also more physically difficult and requires a greater time commitment. '''Before asking people to do this, campaign organizers might benefit from making sure that the action is not premature and will not be counter-productive'''.</p>		<p>This kind of background work is important to ensure that disruptive action is actually helpful to the cause or even possible to do in the first place. Disruptive actions, especially against an institution like a university which has direct power over students, can be costly. Students are risking their reputation and position within the university and community. Occupying a building is also more physically difficult and requires a greater time commitment. '''Before asking people to do this, campaign organizers might benefit from making sure that the action is not premature and will not be counter-productive'''.</p>

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	<p>The demands of the Vic occupation were set out in the official Welcome Document:</p>		<p>The demands of the Vic occupation were set out in the official Welcome Document:</p>
	<p>“We are demanding that Victoria College DIVEST from fossil fuels. This divestment must be FULL, TRANSPARENT, and TIMELY.</p>		<p>“We are demanding that Victoria College DIVEST from fossil fuels. This divestment must be FULL, TRANSPARENT, and TIMELY.</p>
	#'''Full''': We demand divestment from all investments in fossil fuel companies, regardless of whether they are held directly or in pooled funds.		#'''Full''': We demand divestment from all investments in [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1an9qOSE2uG4XuzeA4ltUVadDawheTWdJGKRpU5ayCJk/pubhtml fossil fuel companies], regardless of whether they are held directly or in pooled funds.
	#'''Transparent''': Including students and community members in the divestment process through regular town halls and consultations with students and community members. This also includes annual reports outlining Victoria College’s progress on achieving its divestment commitments.		#'''Transparent''': Including students and community members in the divestment process through regular town halls and consultations with students and community members. This also includes annual reports outlining Victoria College’s progress on achieving its divestment commitments.
	#'''Timely''': Fully sell all of Victoria College’s investments in fossil fuel companies within two years.”		#'''Timely''': Fully sell all of Victoria College’s investments in fossil fuel companies within two years.”<ref>Climate Justice UofT, ''All Eyes on Vic''.</ref>
	<p>These demands were partially met.</p>		<p>These demands were partially met.</p>
	#Victoria College did commit to complete divestment.		#Victoria College did commit to complete divestment.
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	== Divestment Announcement ==		== Divestment Announcement ==
	<p>The official press release announcing Vic’s divestment decision made passing reference to students “who have been advocating for this issue for many years,” but did not mention the ongoing encampment and largely focused on the work of the Board of Regents since 2018. An earlier statement by McEwen emphasized the “importance of due diligence and process” and stated that “progress is often not as fast as we would like.” However, the divestment announcement was made during the encampment, less than 3 weeks after it began, which indicates that '''processes that might not normally be fast can be sped up through disruptive actions'''. The encampment dispersed after the divestment announcement.</p>		<p>The official press release announcing Vic’s divestment decision made passing reference to students “who have been advocating for this issue for many years,” but did not mention the ongoing encampment and largely focused on the work of the Board of Regents since 2018.<ref>"Victoria University Divests," ''Victoria College''.</ref> An earlier statement by McEwen emphasized the “importance of due diligence and process” and stated that “progress is often not as fast as we would like.”<ref>McEwen, "Letter to the Community."</ref> However, the divestment announcement was made during the encampment, less than 3 weeks after it began, which indicates that '''processes that might not normally be fast can be sped up through disruptive actions'''. The encampment dispersed after the divestment announcement.</p>
	<p>Campaign organizers have different opinions on the direct impact of the occupation:</p>		<p>Campaign organizers have different opinions on the direct impact of the occupation:</p>
	*One participant believed that divestment would have happened regardless if the BoR’s process had played out.		*One participant believed that divestment would have happened regardless if the BoR’s process had played out.<ref>Anonymous interview 3.</ref>
	*Another stated, “I think 95% of the reason why they divested was because of the direct action.”		*Another stated, “I think 95% of the reason why they divested was because of the direct action.”<ref>Anonymous interview 2.</ref>
	<p>Campaign participants tend to agree that '''the occupation threatened Vic’s reputation, accelerating the conditions needed for divestment'''. The act of taking up space was significant, because events had to be relocated and important meetings were impacted.</p>		<p>Campaign participants tend to agree that '''the occupation threatened Vic’s reputation, accelerating the conditions needed for divestment'''. The act of taking up space was significant, because events had to be relocated and important meetings were impacted.<ref>Anonymous interviews 1 and 2.</ref></p>
	*One participant recounted how they “woke up to people walking over my head…someone important, like a donor came, and obviously it’s not a good look if there are a bunch of tents and a bunch of kids sleeping on the floor all around your college.”		*One participant recounted how they “woke up to people walking over my head…someone important, like a donor came, and obviously it’s not a good look if there are a bunch of tents and a bunch of kids sleeping on the floor all around your college.”<ref>Anonymous interview 1.</ref>
	*In addition to scrutiny from potential donors, the occupation received media attention.		*In addition to scrutiny from potential donors, the occupation received media attention.
	*All of this was occurring during McEwen’s first year as President, after she had publicly stated her intentions to support divestment.		*All of this was occurring during McEwen’s first year as President, after she had publicly stated her intentions to support divestment.<ref>Lees, "An interview with Vic President."</ref>
	*The organizers suggested that the occupation left the college with limited options. Their earlier commitments to work with students on the divestment issue prevented them from outright rejecting the demands without further damaging their reputation. They likely had to act a lot faster than they would have preferred to.		*The organizers suggested that the occupation left the college with limited options. Their earlier commitments to work with students on the divestment issue prevented them from outright rejecting the demands without further damaging their reputation. They likely had to act a lot faster than they would have preferred to.
	<p>Other impacts:</p>		<p>Other impacts:</p>
	*Increased organizing capacity and knowledge transfer for future student movements.		*Increased organizing capacity and knowledge transfer for future student movements.
	The other federated colleges committed to divestment soon after, and Trinity College has been the first to successfully divest.		The other federated colleges committed to divestment soon after, and Trinity College has been the first to successfully divest.
	*The UofT School of the Environment cut ties with fossil fuel funding.		*The UofT School of the Environment cut ties with fossil fuel funding.<ref>''Guidelines on Fossil Fuel Funding'', University of Toronto School of the Environment. https://www.environment.utoronto.ca/about-us/our-department/guidelines-fossil-fuel-funding</ref>
	<p>It is important to keep in mind that '''the successes of the occupation happened under circumstances that already favoured divestment'''. Without the UofT divestment precedent and the BoR’s existing work looking into possible divestment, the occupation’s outcome may not have been as productive. '''Student activists should be aware of the social climate of their institutions and the views/plans of their administrators when planning actions'''.</p>		<p>It is important to keep in mind that '''the successes of the occupation happened under circumstances that already favoured divestment'''. Without the UofT divestment precedent and the BoR’s existing work looking into possible divestment, the occupation’s outcome may not have been as productive. '''Student activists should be aware of the social climate of their institutions and the views/plans of their administrators when planning actions'''.</p>

	= Reflections on Strategy =		= Reflections on Strategy =
	== Challenges of the Occupation ==		== Challenges of the Occupation ==
	*Students camping out experienced burnout and exhaustion. The occupation was near the end of the semester so many students had final assignments and exams approaching.		*Students camping out experienced [https://en.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/Activist_mental_health_and_managing_burnout burnout] and exhaustion. The occupation was near the end of the semester so many students had final assignments and exams approaching.
	*People were dissatisfied with the decision making process, which was concentrated within a small group of people.		*People were dissatisfied with the decision making process, which was concentrated within a small group of people.
	**These were mainly older students who had already been involved with CJUofT and the Divest Vic campaign, and had made the initial decision to escalate.		**These were mainly older students who had already been involved with CJUofT and the Divest Vic campaign, and had made the initial decision to escalate.
	**Younger and newer participants were sidelined and not everyone was given access to information because some organizers were concerned about security and leaks.		**Younger and newer participants were sidelined and not everyone was given access to information because some organizers were concerned about security and leaks.
	**One participant believes that while this decision making structure would not have lasted long term, “it worked for the Vic occupation because it was so drastic, and it was by that point the longest encampment in all of Canada.” This type of disruptive action was a new experience for most of the younger students, and “there was just a concentration of knowledge within those [older] people…” who had done organizing in the past and were more familiar with divestment.		**One participant believes that while this decision making structure would not have lasted long term, “it worked for the Vic occupation because it was so drastic, and it was by that point the longest encampment in all of Canada.” This type of disruptive action was a new experience for most of the younger students, and “there was just a concentration of knowledge within those [older] people…” who had done organizing in the past and were more familiar with divestment.<ref>Anonymous interview 2.</ref>
	**The dissatisfaction and conflict created because of this concern led CJUofT to re-structure the following summer and develop more democratic decision making.		**The dissatisfaction and conflict created because of this concern led CJUofT to re-structure the following summer and develop more democratic decision making.
	*Access to information and decision making authority sometimes reinforced existing societal power imbalances. This included the sidelining of racialized participants’ perspectives and contributions and the creation of inner circles that excluded students who did not live near the university campus or within downtown Toronto - which often tends to be lower income students commuting from surrounding suburbs.		*Access to information and decision making authority sometimes reinforced existing societal power imbalances. This included the sidelining of racialized participants’ perspectives and contributions and the creation of inner circles that excluded students who did not live near the university campus or within downtown Toronto - which often tends to be lower income students commuting from surrounding suburbs.<ref>Anonymous interview 1.</ref>
	*A major long term challenge after the occupation ended was holding the college accountable and increasing transparency during the divestment progress, which was one of the initial demands of the campaign.		*A major long term challenge after the occupation ended was holding the college accountable and increasing transparency during the divestment progress, which was one of the initial demands of the campaign.
	**One participant believes that this was partially due to people’s grievances during the occupation, which affected the momentum and level of commitment to this particular campaign.		**One participant believes that this was partially due to people’s grievances during the occupation, which affected the momentum and level of commitment to this particular campaign.
	**Most participants began focusing on other campaigns within CJUofT, such as Fossil Free Research or Banks off Campus.[[File:Uvic placards.jpg\|400px\|thumb]]		**Most participants began focusing on other campaigns within CJUofT, such as Fossil Free Research or Banks off Campus.<ref>Anonymous interview 2.</ref>[[File:Uvic placards.jpg\|400px\|thumb]]

	== The Role of Community Care ==		== The Role of Community Care ==
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	<p>The Divest Vic campaign faced issues with effective transfer of knowledge from the UofT campaign, according to statements by participants and evidenced by the parallel challenges experienced during both campaigns.</p>		<p>The Divest Vic campaign faced issues with effective transfer of knowledge from the UofT campaign, according to statements by participants and evidenced by the parallel challenges experienced during both campaigns.</p>
	*Knowledge transfer was impacted by the pandemic.		*Knowledge transfer was impacted by the pandemic.
	*More generally, maintaining momentum and passing along essential knowledge and skills in student movements is impacted by student turnover.		*More generally, maintaining momentum and passing along essential knowledge and skills in student movements is impacted by [https://en.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/Navigating_turnover_in_student_groups student turnover].
	*To sustain movements, new activists need to be trained and need to be aware of the experiences of their predecessors. Campus organizations need to build institutional memory. One interview participant emphasized that Divest Vic struggled with this and the organization’s ability to record and archive information still needs improvement.		*To sustain movements, new activists need to be trained and need to be aware of the experiences of their predecessors. Campus organizations need to build institutional memory.<ref>"Navigating turnover in student groups," ''Climate Justice Organizing HUB Wiki''. https://en.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/Navigating_turnover_in_student_groups</ref> One interview participant emphasized that Divest Vic struggled with this and the organization’s ability to record and archive information still needs improvement.<ref>Anonymous interview 2.</ref>
	*There has been a great deal of progress made. An important achievement of Divest Vic was its impact on the People’s Circle for Palestine, an encampment occurring during the summer of 2024. Interview participants emphasized how much the experiences of the former helped organize and sustain the latter by:		*There has been a great deal of progress made. An important achievement of Divest Vic was its impact on the People’s Circle for Palestine, an encampment occurring during the summer of 2024. Interview participants emphasized how much the experiences of the former helped organize and sustain the latter by:
	**Establishing a long standing activist organization on campus that is able to rally students when necessary		**Establishing a long standing activist organization on campus that is able to rally students when necessary

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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
	<p>This article discusses '''Divest Vic''', the campaign for fossil fuel divestment at Victoria College, a federated college at the University of Toronto (UofT).<ref>Olivia Chen, "[https://thevarsity.ca/2016/09/19/the-explainer-federated-colleges/ ~~The Explainer: Federated colleges]," ''The Varsity'', September 19, 2016.~~</ref> The timeline for this campaign begins during the UofT divestment campaign, starting from Fall of 2018. Following several years of campaigning, activists engaged in an 18-day occupation of the Victoria College building (also referred to as Old Vic). The announcement by the university administration to commit to divestment was made on April 13, 2023, after which students left the building.</p><ref>Jessie Schwalb, "[https://thevarsity.ca/2023/04/13/victoria-university-agrees-to-divest-from-fossil-fuel-companies-by-2030/ ~~Victoria University agrees to divest from fossil fuel companies by 2030]," ''The Varsity'', April 13, 2023.~~</ref>		<p>This article discusses '''Divest Vic''', the campaign for fossil fuel divestment at Victoria College, a federated college at the University of Toronto (UofT).<ref>Olivia Chen, "The Explainer: Federated colleges," ''The Varsity'', September 19, 2016. https://thevarsity.ca/2016/09/19/the-explainer-federated-colleges/</ref> The timeline for this campaign begins during the UofT divestment campaign, starting from Fall of 2018. Following several years of campaigning, activists engaged in an 18-day occupation of the Victoria College building (also referred to as Old Vic). The announcement by the university administration to commit to divestment was made on April 13, 2023, after which students left the building.</p><ref>Jessie Schwalb, "Victoria University agrees to divest from fossil fuel companies by 2030," ''The Varsity'', April 13, 2023. https://thevarsity.ca/2023/04/13/victoria-university-agrees-to-divest-from-fossil-fuel-companies-by-2030/ </ref>
	[[File:All eyes on vic.jpg\|600px\|thumb]]		[[File:All eyes on vic.jpg\|600px\|thumb]]
	<p>This case study explores:</p>		<p>This case study explores:</p>
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	= Background: Divestment at UofT =		= Background: Divestment at UofT =
	<p>[https://en.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/Divestment Divestment] from fossil fuels is one of several strategies used by the climate justice movement to advance its goals. These campaigns became widespread across university campuses in the 2010s.</p>		<p>[https://en.wiki.lehub.ca/index.php/Divestment Divestment] from fossil fuels is one of several strategies used by the climate justice movement to advance its goals. These campaigns became widespread across university campuses in the 2010s.</p>
	<p>At the University of Toronto, the campaign for fossil fuel divestment lasted over a decade. It began with the formation of Toronto350 and its campus branch UofT350 in June 2012, with a “re-launch” of the campaign occurring after the formation of LeapUofT in the fall of 2016. LeapUofT was formed a few months after Meric Gertler, the UofT president at the time, rejected fossil fuel divestment, against the recommendation of his advisory committee. Leap began supporting divestment campaigns of the university’s federated colleges, including Victoria College.</p><ref>Amanda Harvey-Sánchez, ''[https://utoronto.scholaris.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/d57aea4f-3485-4c94-8533-45c2e128b011/content ~~U of T Fossil Fuel Divestment Timeline]'', 2022.~~</ref>		<p>At the University of Toronto, the campaign for fossil fuel divestment lasted over a decade. It began with the formation of Toronto350 and its campus branch UofT350 in June 2012, with a “re-launch” of the campaign occurring after the formation of LeapUofT in the fall of 2016. LeapUofT was formed a few months after Meric Gertler, the UofT president at the time, rejected fossil fuel divestment, against the recommendation of his advisory committee. Leap began supporting divestment campaigns of the university’s federated colleges, including Victoria College.</p><ref>Amanda Harvey-Sánchez, ''U of T Fossil Fuel Divestment Timeline'', 2022. https://utoronto.scholaris.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/d57aea4f-3485-4c94-8533-45c2e128b011/content</ref>
	<p>After almost a decade of student activism, Gertler announced the decision to divest the UofT endowment on October 27, 2021.<ref>Meric S. Gertler, "[https://president.utoronto.ca/letter-to-the-community-divestment-net-zero-and-a-climate-positive-campus/ ~~Letter to the Community: Divestment, Net Zero and a Climate Positive Campus]," ''Office of the President''.~~</ref> A comprehensive summary of the University of Toronto campaign, as well as insights about the movement and the divestment decision, can be found in [https://utoronto.scholaris.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/d57aea4f-3485-4c94-8533-45c2e128b011/content this working paper] by Amanda Harvey-Sanchez, [https://briarpatchmagazine.com/articles/view/divestment-and-beyond this article] by Harvey-Sanchez and Sydney Lang, and through the [https://climatejusticeto.com/radio/ Divestment Generation podcast miniseries].</p>		<p>After almost a decade of student activism, Gertler announced the decision to divest the UofT endowment on October 27, 2021.<ref>Meric S. Gertler, "Letter to the Community: Divestment, Net Zero and a Climate Positive Campus," ''Office of the President''. https://president.utoronto.ca/letter-to-the-community-divestment-net-zero-and-a-climate-positive-campus/</ref> A comprehensive summary of the University of Toronto campaign, as well as insights about the movement and the divestment decision, can be found in [https://utoronto.scholaris.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/d57aea4f-3485-4c94-8533-45c2e128b011/content this working paper] by Amanda Harvey-Sanchez, [https://briarpatchmagazine.com/articles/view/divestment-and-beyond this article] by Harvey-Sanchez and Sydney Lang, and through the [https://climatejusticeto.com/radio/ Divestment Generation podcast miniseries].</p>
	<p>UofT’s commitment to divest did not apply to the federated colleges. UofT has 7 undergraduate colleges, 3 of which (Victoria, Trinity, and St. Michael’s) are federated. These colleges have their own administration and are governed separately from the larger university. '''They are technically separate universities, have their own endowments, and are financially independent. As a result, these colleges needed to make their own, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-uMH4WN6_695Qp5rraDbC5_KnSDrEexnLdLCNiwg6Pw/edit?tab=t.0 separate commitments to divestment]'''.</p>		<p>UofT’s commitment to divest did not apply to the federated colleges. UofT has 7 undergraduate colleges, 3 of which (Victoria, Trinity, and St. Michael’s) are federated. These colleges have their own administration and are governed separately from the larger university. '''They are technically separate universities, have their own endowments, and are financially independent. As a result, these colleges needed to make their own, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-uMH4WN6_695Qp5rraDbC5_KnSDrEexnLdLCNiwg6Pw/edit?tab=t.0 separate commitments to divestment]'''.</p>
	<p>Within a year of Gertler’s divestment announcement, the campaign to push for divestment at Victoria College became a focus. Vic had between $6 to $9 million in indirect investments in fossil fuels, about 5% of the college’s endowment. Additionally, Vic owned an active oil well in Saskatchewan, bequeathed by an alum.</p>		<p>Within a year of Gertler’s divestment announcement, the campaign to push for divestment at Victoria College became a focus. Vic had between $6 to $9 million in indirect investments in fossil fuels, about 5% of the college’s endowment. Additionally, Vic owned an active oil well in Saskatchewan, bequeathed by an alum.</p>
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	'''VUSAC Sustainability Commission'''		'''VUSAC Sustainability Commission'''
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	A group within the Victoria University Students’ Administrative Council (VUSAC), Vic’s student government. Responsible for promoting climate justice initiatives and sustainable practices and policies at Vic.<ref>''[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-R4ZLKRdQ_Q3Z-5x_qU1VkIx5YSkpyz76dyq3-E-Ju0/edit?tab=t.0 ~~Victoria University Students' Administrative Council Constitution]'', revised March 2025.~~</ref>.		A group within the Victoria University Students’ Administrative Council (VUSAC), Vic’s student government. Responsible for promoting climate justice initiatives and sustainable practices and policies at Vic.<ref>''Victoria University Students' Administrative Council Constitution'', revised March 2025. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-R4ZLKRdQ_Q3Z-5x_qU1VkIx5YSkpyz76dyq3-E-Ju0/edit?tab=t.0 </ref>.
	\|- style="height: 23px;"		\|- style="height: 23px;"
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