College protesters want their schools to divest from ties to Israel. Here’s what that means.
Divestment, in a broad sense, means to sell off or discontinue investment in a particular entity or industry for specific political, social, or ethical reasons. The global divestment movement has been a part of various social justice campaigns in history, including its notable usage during the apartheid era in South Africa.
When college protesters call for their schools to divest from ties to Israel, they are urging their institutions to stop using their financial resources—such as endowments, pension funds, and other investments—in a way that directly or indirectly supports Israel. This includes removing investments in companies that do business with Israel, particularly those that protesters argue contribute to the violation of Palestinian rights.
This movement is a part of the larger Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign, which calls for various forms of boycott against Israel until it meets its obligations under international law and respects Palestinian rights.
Divestment campaigns can have a significant impact on the conversation about Israel and Palestine on college campuses and can lead to broader discussions about the role of academic institutions in political and social issues. However, they are often controversial, and face criticism from those who oppose the BDS movement or believe that such initiatives unfairly single out Israel for censure.
It's important to note that the issue is complex and highly sensitive, with passionate perspectives on all sides. The use of BDS tactics and the call for divestment does not necessarily equate to agreement about the best paths toward resolution, or even consensus