Brown University’s trustees voted this week to reject a student-led proposal to divest from companies linked to Israel’s presence in Palestinian territories, sparking frustration from pro-Palestinian activists on campus. The decision comes after months of debate following the tragic events of October 7, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, intensifying discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The vote by Brown’s Corporation—chaired by Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan—opted against divesting from 10 companies identified by the Brown Divest Coalition, a pro-Palestinian group pushing for the university to take a stand. Brown leaders cited minimal financial exposure to the companies in question, along with concerns about maintaining the university’s academic mission over political engagement.
In a joint statement, Chancellor Moynihan and President Christina Paxson emphasized that the university’s financial ties to the companies are extremely limited, representing only 0.009% of their total market value. “Our mission is to educate, not to adjudicate complex global conflicts,” the letter read, reinforcing the idea that Brown’s primary responsibility is to foster an inclusive learning environment.
The Advisory Committee on University Resources Management (ACURM) had also recommended against divestment, with the Corporation’s vote backing their analysis. ACURM’s report suggested that while the proposal made a political statement, the financial impact was too insignificant to warrant action. The committee’s recommendation came after reviewing perspectives from across the Brown community, including students and faculty.
Pro-Palestinian students, however, were vocal in their disappointment. The Brown Divest Coalition criticized the decision as a missed opportunity for the university to take a moral stand. “This is a moral and ethical failure,” the group said in a statement, pointing to what they described as a lack of transparency in the process.
Despite the heated debates, university leadership has remained focused on academic freedom and maintaining a balanced approach to complex international issues. While Brown values diverse perspectives, the administration reiterated that the school’s role is to promote education and scholarship rather than engage in political activism.
Though the Brown Divest Coalition may continue to push for change, the university’s decision signals a commitment to ensuring that its core mission remains at the forefront.
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