PCAC student protest attempts to fight Purdue’s lack of climate plan
As potential Boilermakers walked the busy streets of campus listening to their tour guides Friday afternoon, many were greeted by chanting and protesting; all calling out Purdue for its climate shortcomings.
Dozens of prospective students and their parents were witness to Purdue Climate Action Collective attempting to realize the one goal the student-run group had in mind: hold Purdue responsible for its emissions.
The protest was just one step in the organization’s attempt to spread awareness of climate issues at Purdue. One of its most vocal criticisms was the lack of a university climate action plan.
Purdue is the only Big Ten school with no climate action plan and is one of two universities lacking a plan in the American Association of Universities, according to PCAC’s website.
PCAC isn’t alone in their fight, many students also want Purdue to establish a plan to reduce carbon emissions.
Purdue students raised their voices in protest after getting over 1000 signatures on PCAC’s petition about the Purdue’s lack of a climate plan
Quint Holguin | Staff Reporter“It’s really embarrassing not having any plan, it’s not like Purdue is lacking (funds),” said Payton Barton, a freshmen in first-year engineering.
People want to be looking for change at Purdue, she said.
“We are supposed to be leaders (in the Big Ten) but we are falling behind,” said Kaylee Choi, a sophomore in environmental science.
Using megaphones and homemade signs, PCAC protested the university Friday for change.
Quint Holguin | Staff ReporterPCAC has attended multiple Board of Trustees meetings, began a petition that has over 1,000 signatures and has monthly demonstrations to spread their message. The group continues to advertise its mission on social media as well.
“People in administration, the ones that (could) make the changes, just turn their shoulders (at PCAC),” Choi said.
During the protests Friday, multiple tour groups showing Purdue off to prospective students continued to give their tours at and around the Engineering Fountain.
Braxton Fugate, a prospective student on one of the tours, said the university’s lack of climate action plan was “not on par with Purdue.”
“As a future student, I really want to see that change be made,” he said.
Cai Parks, a sophomore in mechanical engineering technology, was handing out flyers to passing students and tour groups.
“I expected the (tour guide) to tell us to be quiet, but she said ‘I’m actually for you guys,’” he said. “She actually told her group that she endorsed us.”
Many members of PCAC agree, they will keep protesting until Purdue adopts a climate action plan.
Purdue professor Michael Johnston, who works closely with PCAC, said now is the most important time for students to be aware and vocal.
“It’s about getting the word out to students, having the petition, visiting classes, educating the public,” Johnston said. “Now, it’s all hands on deck.”
Every Exponent article goes through checks for accuracy before publication. If you have a concern or questions about this article, please email editor@purdueexponent.org.