On February 28th, 2024 the GPSG assembly passed a resolution calling for Diverse and Equitable Representation on the Campus Sustainability Executive Committee. The vote was 12 for the resolution and 1 against the resolution.
Summary:
This resolution aims to address the lack of diverse student representation on the Campus Sustainability Executive Council (CSEC). Students have been leaders and advocates for sustainability at CU Boulder for 50+ years and there is a growing consensus among the student body that sustainability is a top priority to them. This resolution outlines the history of student advocacy for sustainability and discusses the importance of including their unique experiences and perspectives on the CSEC. To avoid an ineffective implementation of the Climate Action Plan (CAP), as seen with the 2009 CAP, it is crucial that the CSEC governance structure be amended to include multiple student and student-representative seats, across various leadership backgrounds. This resolution also discusses the importance of inclusive representation in governance structures, in alignment with STARS, as we pursue a STARS platinum campus rating (Appendix C). With undergraduate and graduate students being directly impacted by the decisions and discussions of the CSEC, it is imperative that their voices have a seat at the table. This resolution advocates for the implementation of six student seats to the Campus Sustainability Executive Council to ensure the future of CU Boulder’s climate action includes substantial input from the voices of tomorrow’s leaders. Students have already shown up for campus climate action and have continued to do so through the CAP public comment period.
Given that the CAP aims to improve community awareness, engagement, and understanding, we believe the CSEC should capitalize on the existing base of informed students by adding well-connected student decision-makers to ensure undergraduate and graduate students remain engaged throughout the lifetime of the CAP and beyond.