Incredible things are happening in Cincinnati. Last week, University of Cincinnati students delivered thousands of petitions and campaign materials to University President Gregory Williams, along with a request to commit to a #coalfreeUC by 2019. Almost simultaneously, the university administration released a blatant and dramatic green-washing article depicting the Bearcat mascot cheer-leading for big coal "in honor of Earth Day."

Will you help us hold them accountable for this?

The very next day, the entire City of Cincinnati decided to dump Duke Energy and switch to 100% Renewable Energy! Unfortunately, that doesn't include our university.

We need your help.

Last year, President Williams ranked sustainability as a top priority for the University in his master plan. He said "we cannot delay on an issue so important to future generations. Why, then, is the President delaying the demands thousands of members of the future generation requesting a #coalfreeUC?

It's our big moment. That's why we desperately need your help. It sounds strange, but we agree with the President: he can no longer delay. The students have demanded a response before this Friday May 11th. If we show him that our massive youth movement stands behind his committment, then he will stand up to his administration and hold them accountable to his vision.

Will you stand in solidarity with us? Take action now:

E-mail to: president@uc.edu

Dear Dr. Williams,

Coal is dirty, dangerous, and outdated. That’s why I was shocked and saddened to see the Bearcat posing in front of an old coal boiler as a cheerleader for big coal. It’s time for the University to cut wasteful tax spending on dirty, outdated energy and take its commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality much more seriously.

That’s why I’m asking you to hold your administration accountable, and call for their support of a commitment to make UC coal-free. If the dirty old coal boiler is literally sitting around collecting dust, don’t you think it’s time for it to hit the recycling bin?

[Add your personal comments here]

Like you’ve said, “we cannot delay on an issue so important to future generations.” After hearing that Cincinnati has some of the worst air quality in the nation, I agree - the time for responsible energy decisions is now, and that means taking your bold vision and accelerating change with clear, measurable goals - just like this one. I’m looking forward to your decision.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

This is important! After you've called or emailed follow this link and take a second to let us know and how it went! Sorry to be a pain but we need to keep track of your calls and emails so that we can really make it count with hard hitting numbers when we tell the media about it.

President Gregory Williams 513-556-2201

Hi my name is ___________ and I'm calling to ask President Williams to stand with his students and commit to making UC a coal-free university. We need his true leadership and action to get the administration to retire the coal boiler and make real plans for UC to join the rest of Cincinnati and transition to 100% clean energy.

And, as always... please share this :)

Twitter? Tweet about how awesome you are for taking action! #coalfreeUC @UofCincy