On September 20, 2019 over 100 students stormed the Lavin-Bernick Center (LBC) to host a peaceful sit and chant in, at the center of Tulane University's campus. Fossil Free, Divest, and Sustainability clubs on campus joined millions of organizers worldwide in their efforts to protest the unsustainable practices of their universities.
The LCB, a building, normally only ever surrounded by Tulane's newest 55-million-dollar architectural investment The Commons, was, too, overwhelmed with students engaging in a sit as (a few) board of directors met inside the building. The sit in began at around 12 P.M. and was clearing up at the turn of the 2 o'clock hour. One of the organizers explained this type of protest creates a peaceful unrest. She went on to explain that Tulane University (and its profits) are going to directly feel the slowly creeping effect of climate change as temperatures continue to rise and subsequently water levels and risk of surge grow. Student organizers demand that Tulane "divest endowment from fossil fuels and commit to making its investment transparent to all students" and pledge an effort to achieve carbon neutrality (a balance of carbon emission with carbon removal). The demands are aligned with local New Orleans efforts to protest the state of Louisiana's dedication towards the "backing of the fossil fuel industry" and put pressure on congress to pass a Green New Deal.
On September 27th 2019 this upcoming Friday at 11:30 in Jackson Square organizers will march from St. Louis cathedral where they will engage in a "die in." A demonstration where organizers lay on the ground in silent protest of climate change and the state's complacency in its propagation. The die-in will be followed with speakers from 12:00-1:30 P.M. The movement is asking adults to skip work in the name of the urgency of the, sometimes, irrevocable effect of climate change. If missing work or walking ~1 mile is just not an option for you, you can still get involved with partners Louisiana Bucket Brigade, 350 New Orleans, Sunrise Movement New Orleans, and Extinction Rebellion New Orleans. Find more information here.
