Several recent IDS articles highlight a media trend by discussing
problems caused by climate change and potential remedies, instead of
debating the phenomenon’s existence. This development represents a
change that has taken place in the minds of Indiana undergraduates.
Fewer
students need to be convinced of climate change’s impact, and most
wonder “How can I become part of the solution?” The administration
echoed this sentiment last spring, establishing the IU Sustainability
Taskforce, but has failed to take the next step. The American College
and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment is a promise to achieve
long-term climate neutrality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the
interim and publicly report progress toward these ends. It has been
signed by 483 college and university presidents or chancellors. IU
President Michael McRobbie is not among them.
Indiana’s
reputation as a leader in social movements makes his abstention
conspicuous. In 1867, Indiana became one of the first universities to
admit women; in 1940, the University established the Kinsey Institute;
today, Indiana continues to lead with a nationally ranked School of
Public and Environmental Affairs. There is no reason to break from this
trend when it comes to protecting the environment.
Factors like
Indiana’s size should not be considered obstacles to commitment. Large
schools, including the University of Washington, Arizona State
University and the state school systems of both California and South
Carolina have signed the agreement. Neither should geography be cited
in avoiding commitment. Indeed, the University’s proximity to southern
Indiana’s coal mines and the quagmire in the state’s industrial
northwestern region make Indiana a prime candidate to lead by endorsing
the Climate Commitment. Five Indiana institutions have already done so,
and Minnesota became the first Big Ten school to sign it.
It is
shameful that while many students want to be part of the solution, IU’s
administration continues to ignore the growing trend among colleges and
universities of commitment to environmental ideals. As students, we
must continue to do our part, while reminding the administration of
Indiana’s leadership reputation and obligation to the community it
calls home.
Benjamin Kitto
