**San Francisco State University Takes Stand Against Arms Makers**
In a significant move reflecting its commitment to human rights, San Francisco State University has divested from three companies that do not align with its values. This decision comes after pressure from pro-Palestinian student activists who have been advocating for divestment from companies associated with Israel.
The SF State Foundation, responsible for managing the university’s investments, confirmed the sale of its Lockheed Martin corporate bond position and stock positions in Leonardo and Palantir Technologies. Additionally, the foundation has decided to screen out Caterpillar, a construction equipment manufacturer, due to its involvement in fossil fuels and alleged use of heavy equipment as weapons in the Palestinian territory.
**Student-Led Advocacy for Change**
Across college campuses in the United States, students have been urging universities to remove investments in companies linked to Israel as a response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. While California State University system officials have resisted altering investment policies, students at some campuses have focused on influencing school-level foundation endowments to bring about change.
At San Francisco State, student activists from Students for Gaza and the General Union of Palestine Students (GUPS) played a pivotal role in pushing for divestment. By focusing on the university foundation’s investment screens, which ensure investments align with the school’s values of racial justice, social justice, and climate change, students were able to make progress in their advocacy efforts.
**Revising Investment Policies**
A work group composed of representatives from Students for Gaza, SF State Foundation investment committee, faculty, and administrators came together to propose a revised investment policy. The draft policy aims to prevent investments in arms makers and companies that facilitate severe violations of international law and human rights, without singling out any specific conflict or country.
While the proposed policy is set for a final vote in December, the foundation’s investment committee took immediate action to implement the suggested revisions. By identifying investments in Lockheed Martin, Leonardo, and Palantir under the human rights screens, the foundation demonstrated its commitment to ethical investing practices.
**Impact of Student Advocacy**
The efforts of student activists at San Francisco State have not gone unnoticed. By engaging in dialogue and negotiation with university officials, students were able to bring about tangible changes in the university’s investment practices. The decision to divest from companies that do not align with the school’s values reflects a collaborative effort between students, faculty, and administrators.
Sheldon Gen, a faculty representative to the SF State Foundation, highlighted the importance of aligning investment policies with the university’s values. While the divestment from specific companies may not end the conflict in Gaza, it provides students with a platform to voice their concerns and advocate for change within their institution.
**Looking Towards the Future**
As San Francisco State University moves towards a more transparent and socially responsible investment strategy, the foundation plans to unveil a new website disclosing more information about its endowment. This step towards greater transparency and accountability reflects the university’s commitment to ethical investing practices and aligning its investments with its core values.
In the midst of ongoing campus protests and advocacy efforts, it is clear that students have a powerful voice in shaping institutional policies and practices. By engaging in dialogue, negotiation, and collaboration, students at San Francisco State have demonstrated the impact of student activism in bringing about meaningful change within their university.
**Conclusion**
The divestment from arms makers by San Francisco State University marks a significant step towards aligning its investment practices with its values of human rights, social justice, and racial justice. Through the collective efforts of student activists, faculty members, and administrators, the university has taken a stand against companies that do not meet its ethical standards.
As the university continues to revise its investment policies and enhance transparency in its endowment management, it sets a positive example for other institutions to prioritize ethical investing practices. By listening to student concerns and engaging in constructive dialogue, San Francisco State University has shown that meaningful change is possible through collaboration and advocacy.