Starting at 10 this morning on the snowiest day of the year, five students at Ohio State began a sit-in to demand ethical standards for the purchase of wood and paper. The members of OSU Free The Planet!, a student group, vow to stay until President Gordon Gee signs an agreement to stop the University from buying wood products obtained from Indigenous conflict areas and to include more recycled content in paper and lumber used on campus.
Forest issues are heavily intertwined with climate issues. The 6-year logging blockade of the Grassy Narrows people is our struggle too. They are protecting one of our most valuable tools to combat climate change – the Boreal Forest. Our liberation is tied up in theirs.
The 5 students inside are supported by a group of more than two dozen of their supporters rallying outside the President’s office, who will be standing in solidarity as long as it takes. Police are reportedly on the scene, but have not indicated any intent to arrest. Check the Rainforest Action Network’s blog for updates through the day.
Support the students by signing on to their petition. Free The Planet is also asking supporters to call the President’s office to encourage him to sign the agreement: President Gordon E. Gee (like guy except with an ee), The Ohio State University – (614) 292-2424.
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