Divorce from Israel has become a rallying cry at pro-Palestinian rallies on university campuses. But experts say it’s not that easy, especially because of state laws.
Still, that didn’t stop one California state university from changing its investment policy. Student protesters at Sacramento State University are celebrating a so-called victory after pro-Palestinian groups say the university has met divestment demands.
“The Sac government has done everything right. This is what they should do,” said one demonstrator.
The university’s president, Luke Wood, released a statement about the investment policy changes made this week, saying: “We have developed a policy on socially responsible investing. Our commitment to funding our students’ education is important. I believe that,” he said. We denounce that we profit from corporations that profit from ethnic cleansing, genocide, and human rights violations. ”
“We need to be very careful because if we’re not careful, we could jeopardize state funding,” legal analyst Dan Eaton said. “This is not an easy minefield on any level.”
A 2016 law does not allow states to fund or contract $100,000 to individuals or organizations that boycott specific countries. Israel is specifically designated in the law.
“If Sacramento State University were to move forward with its plan to reevaluate its investments, it would have to do so in a way that circumvents the requirements of this state law, if it were ever able to do so,” Eaton said.
Sacramento State recently updated its Policy Statement, adding: “CSU Sacramento opposes and condemns genocide, ethnic cleansing, and any other act that violates fundamental human rights. CSU Sacramento will not engage in any activities or enter into any agreements that are inconsistent with these values. ”
Pro-Palestinian protests continue at the University of California, San Diego, just two days after local police destroyed an encampment on campus and arrested 64 people. NBC 7’s Kelvin Henry reported on May 8, 2024.
The new policy does not mention any specific countries.
“Our administration has led the way, and there should be no excuse for all other campuses not to comply with the demands of these students,” the protester said.
In response to a question about how state law could affect investment policy changes, a Sacramento State spokesperson referred NBC 7 to the following online statement from the California Chancellor.
“Given its fiduciary responsibilities and existing policies governing the assessment of environmental, social, and governance risks, California State University does not intend to change existing investment policies related to Israel or the Israeli-Hamas conflict. .
“Due to state law and CSU’s investment policy limitations, CSU does not invest directly in the stock or equity of any company. The system invests in mutual funds, bonds, and other products.”
“Through careful management of university funds, investments in CSU provide a stable source of income, benefit students and faculty, and support critical campus facilities, scholarships, and other important elements of our educational mission. I am.
“CSU recognizes the right of members of our community to express diverse perspectives, and this type of deprivation violates the academic freedom of students and faculty and the free exchange of ideas on campus.”
