Today, Explained Is divesting from Israel possible?
26 snips
May 6, 2024 
In this discussion, Josh Moody, a reporter at Inside Higher Ed, and Charlie Eaton, an associate professor at UC Merced, tackle the tough topic of divesting from companies linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. They dissect student activism surrounding university endowments and the call for transparency in investments. Insights into the impact of financialization on higher education and the ethical implications of these investment strategies are explored. Their nuanced conversation brings to light the complexities facing universities as they navigate social justice and financial pressures.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Divestment Demands
- Students are demanding universities divest from companies profiting from the Israeli-Hamas war or serving the Israeli government.
- They're targeting weapons manufacturers (Boeing, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin) and tech companies (Google, Amazon) with Israeli contracts.
Divestment Challenges
- Divestment involves disclosing and selling assets, potentially incurring losses, impacting wealthier and less-wealthy colleges differently.
- Disclosing direct investments is easier than indirect ones packaged within funds.
Protest Outcomes
- Brown University students protested through sit-ins, arrests, and hunger strikes, securing a divestment vote.
- Portland State paused Boeing ties, losing scholarship money; Michigan State's president facilitated encampment permits, ending protests.
