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Activists plan complaint to attorney general over WSU Foundation investment practices, advocate for divestment
Summary
An environmental sustainability advocate told the Board of Regents he and supporters will send a complaint to the state attorney general about the WSU Foundation’s investment practices and continue pushing for fossil‑fuel divestment.
Bill (Bill) Ingalls, identified as a WSU Writing Center consultant and a member of an environmental sustainability subcommittee called Fossil Free WSU, used the public‑comment period to update the board on organizing related to fossil‑fuel divestment and announced plans to submit a complaint to the state attorney general about the WSU Foundation’s investment practices.
Ingalls thanked President Schulz and board members for work on sustainability but said the WSU Foundation has not committed to divesting the consolidated endowment from fossil fuel assets. Ingalls said Fossil Free WSU intends to send a complaint alleging the foundation’s investment practices conflict with the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act and that the group plans to announce the letter in Washington State Magazine and encourage donors to request their gifts not be invested in fossil fuels.
Why it matters: The complaint would ask the state attorney general’s office to review whether the WSU Foundation is managing endowed funds in a manner that complies with state law governing prudent management of institutional funds. Such an inquiry could prompt institutional review of investment policies and donor communications.
What he told the board: Ingalls said the group plans to send the complaint on Earth Day, April 22, and that it will publicize the effort to encourage donor requests for non‑fossil investments. He referenced existing steps by the foundation to offer ESG‑oriented investment options to donors but said that falls short of a full divestment commitment.
Ending note: Ingalls said Fossil Free WSU will continue advocacy and keep the board informed; the board acknowledged the comment but did not take action during the meeting.
