ISU ActivUs, a campus environmental organization, called on the university to divest in fossil fuels by handing Warren Madden, senior vice president for business and finance, a petition containing 500 signatures Tuesday afternoon.

The event was be part of an international campaign, Fossil Free, aiming to divest institutions — including universities, cities and businesses from fossil fuel companies in order to mitigate climate change.

“In allowing investments in fossil fuel companies, universities are effectively endorsing those companies and their polluting practices,” said Rivka Fidel, a Ph. D. candidate in soil science and ActivUs president.

Stephen Biggs, assistant professor of philosophy and religious studies, argued for divestment, asserting that it is unethical to profit from pollution, and that 97 percent of scientists believe climate change is occurring and is caused by human activity.

A group of about 10 students attended in support of ActivUs and held signs reading “Fossil Free” and “Divest ISU.”

Madden said he he will have to consider the situation further before coming to a decision as to whether he can personally support ActivUs in asking the regents or state legislature to divest the regents universities.