| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.35 |
| Liaison | Delicia Nahman |
| Submission Date | Sept. 12, 2023 |
Lafayette College
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Maurice
Luker Executive Director of Corp./Found./Gov. Relations Corporate, Foundation & Government Relations |
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
Lafayette College actively engages local city officials on a number of topics including climate action, walkable and safe streets, and parks and trails. Examples include:
- Lafayette College has 2 college-appointed representatives on the City of Easton's Climate Action Advisory Committee. This committee engages with local officials to advocate for climate action policies, ordinances and funding to support the city's 2040 carbon neutrality goal.
- The college has ongoing dialogue with the Mayor's office about walkable streets and connectivity in Easton. This is a priority for the region and the college seeks to build momentum for advancing these sustainability attributes. In some cases, a grant may arise that the city will pursue. Due to our shared vision for the region, and desire to see these principles implemented (not just discussed in meetings with the Mayor), Lafayette College will send in a letter of support. We are not direct beneficiaries of the funds but believe our advocacy should be accompanied by action.
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
The college has consistent engagements with state and regional officials to advocate for policies and legislation that strengthens higher education's role as drivers of economic development, democratic dialogue, and models of a low-carbon economy. Over the past 3 years:
- President Hurd and Easton Mayor Sal Panto visited Harrisburg, PA to speak with representatives about legislation that support town-gown collaborations that drive economic opportunities.
- Former president of college spoke on PA House of Representative floor about importance of aligning funding and legislation that draws companies and students to PA thereby encouraging a new growing workforce of recent graduates.
- In October 2021, Lafayette College hosted Senators, college and business leaders for State Senate Caucus Hearing during which panelists discussed sustainable business practices and recommended policies to advance the transition to a low-carbon future. The President of the college made opening remarks to advocate for legislation that will retain companies and students to drive our low carbon transition.
- Engaged with state legislators and policy makers in the follow events on campus in which our aforementioned priorities were discussed: AICUP PA Society Reception (December each year).
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
- In October 2019, Lafayette College joined 165 other colleges and universities in an amicus brief in support of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
- Engaged with state legislators and policy makers in the follow events on campus in which our aforementioned priorities were discussed: Susan Wild Town Hall (Jan. 2020), Attorney's Office Grant Workshop which included discussion of EJ legislation and policies (May 2023)
Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.