Columbia University Refuses to Divest from Israel Amid Protests
In a recent announcement, Columbia University’s president, Minouche Shafik, revealed that talks with student organizers pushing for divestment from Israel have come to a standstill. The university has decided not to divest from Israel, citing concerns about creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and faculty on campus.
Shafik urged protestors who have set up encampments on campus to voluntarily disperse in order to maintain a peaceful and inclusive environment for all students and faculty. The protests have sparked controversy and caused disruptions for students.
Despite the decision not to divest, the university has offered to expedite the review process for new proposals through the Advisory Committee for Socially Responsible Investing. Columbia University has also committed to increasing transparency by publishing a list of direct investment holdings and updating it regularly.
In an effort to address the concerns raised by student protesters, the university has proposed investing in health and education initiatives in Gaza, such as early childhood development and support for displaced scholars. Although negotiations have reached a stalemate, there have been some minor advancements in the discussions.
Shafik assured the Columbia University community that alternative solutions are being explored to resolve the crisis promptly. The university will continue to provide updates on any new developments.