Live Updates: Universities Host Graduation Ceremonies Amid Student Protests Nationwide

Campus protesters across the US are once again calling for divestment from controversial investments, echoing a movement that has historical roots. The latest wave of protests, primarily focused on pro-Palestinian issues, has reignited the debate on university endowments and their ethical implications.

At Columbia University, students are demanding that the institution divest its $13.6 billion endowment from companies linked to Israel, including tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. Similar calls for divestment from weapons manufacturers have been made at other universities like Cornell and Yale.

University officials have been quick to respond, with Columbia and the University of California stating that divestment from Israel is not on the table. However, some colleges, like Brown University, are open to dialogue with protesters. Brown’s president, Christina Paxson, has expressed willingness to consider a divestment proposal if the student encampment is disbanded.

This isn’t the first time campus protests have centered around divestment. In the 1980s, Columbia students successfully pushed for the university to sever financial ties with companies operating in apartheid-era South Africa. The movement eventually led to Columbia selling off most of its stock in South Africa-connected companies, setting a precedent for other colleges to follow suit.

As the current divestment movement gains momentum, it remains to be seen how universities will navigate the complex intersection of financial investments and social responsibility. The echoes of past protests serve as a reminder of the power of student activism in shaping institutional policies.