A BDS resolution at the University of Michigan has failed quite spectacularly.
At their weekly meeting Tuesday, Central Student Government voted 34 to 13 to reject a resolution that would have called on the University of Michigan to divest its investments in several companies that allegedly commit human rights violations against Palestinians.
The resolution, which was brought to the assembly by student organization Students Allied for Freedom and Equality, initially considered a range of companies, but was limited during the meeting to only Boeing, G4S, Hewlett-Packard and United 130 Technologies. This is the 10th attempt since 2002 to pass a resolution to divest at the University, including in 2014 and 2015, following in the path of similar resolutions at many other schools around the country. The vote this year was less close than it has been in recent years.
The resolution charged that University investments in these companies are unethical because they oppress Palestinians due to their business practices in Israel or products they produce. It would not have automatically ensured divestment from the investments, but rather would have called on the University’s Board of Regents to form an ad-hoc committee to investigate the University’s investments in the area.
“Israeli state policy infringes upon Palestinian human rights,” the resolution read. “The University of Michigan’s investments in the aforementioned companies, which are involved in socially irresponsible and unethical activities in Palestine, not only personally impact Palestinian students at the University of Michigan, but also calls into question the University’s commitment to invest in socially responsible companies.”
The resolution also stated that divestment would defund the “weapons and equipment used in Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and in violation of international human rights law.”
This is the Facebook page of the Students Allied for Freedom and Equality group, which brought the resolution. Notice the logo they use for the divestment campaign.
The “v” sign being depicted here is not the peace sign. It is the ubiquitous palestinian “v for victory” sign, symbolizing victory over the enemy. The same symbol terrorists and their supporters flash. Not the stuff peace is made of.
I think that pretty much tells you what you need to know about the intentions of those advocating BDS.
