Two years ago, the inclusion of fossil fuel companies in an endowment portfolio was considered a reasonable and prudent position. Today, divestment from fossil fuels — especially coal — is the more fiscally and morally responsible choice.
Swathmore College was among the first colleges to call for divestment. But as a long time investor, including as a former Managing Director of a fund investing $500 million a year, I offer a perspective from beyond the academic community.