From: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu (Rich Winkel)
Subject: Dartmouth divests from Hydro-Quebec
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: PACH
Distribution: na
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1993 08:30:04 GMT

/** gen.nativenet: 446.0 **/
** Topic: Dartmouth Divests from Hydro-Quebec **
** Written  4:37 pm  Jan  3, 1993 by Justin.A.Ruben@dartmouth.edu in cdp:gen.nativenet **
Original-Sender: Justin.A.Ruben@dartmouth.edu

*****For immediate release*****

CONTACT:  Justin Ruben  (603) 640-5033	
	                Tracy Canard  (603) 640-5156	

DARTMOUTH DIVESTS FROM HYDRO-QUEBEC: STUDENT ADVOCATES VOW TO BRING CAMPAIGN
TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY

(HANOVER, NH) - December 18, 1992-- After months of discussion and debate,
the Trustees of Dartmouth College announced today their decision to divest
from Hydro-Quebec (HQ).  The decision follows sustained pressure from
students, faculty and alumni, who argue that the provincial utility's James
Bay hydroelectric projects are environmentally and culturally destructive.

Acknowledging that "many believe...the College's involvement is inconsistent
with its traditions, history, community standards and values" the Trustees
directed the College to sell its $6.8 Million in HQ bonds.  "The Trustees
have reaffirmed Dartmouth's commitment to Native Americans and environmental
issues," said Bart Bingenheimer '94, a member of student coalition Dartmouth
Divest Hydro-Quebec (DDHQ). "This decision is a tremendous victory for those
of us who believe that the institutions financing Hydro-Quebec's projects
must be held responsible for their disastrous consequences."

While Dartmouth is the first institution in the United States to divest,
similar campaigns are underway at Tufts, Harvard, and Boston University, and
the Massachusetts legislature is currently considering divesting of HQ bonds
held in state pension funds.  "Because Hydro-Quebec needs financing from the
international market to continue with its mega-projects, it also needs the
approval of the international community.  For HQ, Dartmouth is the sharp end
of a very powerful wedge; we hope that as more and more institutions signal
their disapproval, Hydro-Quebec will find it harder and harder to continue,"
said Justin Ruben '95, a DDHQ member.  In the next year, DDHQ intends to
bring their campaign to colleges and universities around the country.

The divestment campaign began in January when Native American students and
environmental activists joined forces to form DDHQ.  Protests, petitioning,
banner-hangs, meetings with the administration and a unanimous Student
Assembly resolution followed as the movement gathered strength.  Dartmouth's
Native American community felt particularly strongly that the college must
divest.  "In 1992, when many Native Americans are reflecting upon the past
500 years, its important that the College listen to Native students and
address the  present destruction of Native Cultures.  It means a lot to me
personally that the College has reaffirmed its commitments in this instance."
said Eric Jordan '94, a member of DDHQ and Native Americans at Dartmouth.

A press release is available from the Dartmouth College News Service at (603)
646-3661.

***************************
More info to come in the next few days.

                  Justin Ruben
								
Dartmouth Divest H-Q
								
justin.ruben@dartmouth.edu
** End of text from cdp:gen.nativenet **

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