Brown University announced on Tuesday that its corporate board will vote on a proposal to divest from Israeli interests, a huge victory for student protesters who have been occupying campuses nationwide. As part of the agreement, protesters at Brown will dismantle their encampment and cease demonstrations until the end of the school year.
University President Christina Paxson acknowledged the devastating loss of life in the Middle East and the need for meaningful change while also emphasizing the importance of resolving differences through dialogue and debate. She expressed concern over escalating inflammatory rhetoric and campus tensions but appreciated the students’ efforts to prevent further escalation.
Brown University agrees to hold Israel divestment vote (Credits: Yahoo News Singapore)
Brown University, a member of the Ivy League, is the most prestigious institution to reach an agreement with pro-Palestine protesters since encampments began appearing on campuses last week.
The protesters demanded divestment from Israeli interests and lobbied the Biden administration to cease military aid to Israel and push for a ceasefire, citing civilian casualties in Gaza.
A group of five student activists will present their argument for divestment to the university board next month, followed by a vote in October. Paxson assured that student protesters will not face suspension or expulsion for their conduct.
Brown U caves to anti-Israel protesters (Credits: Fox News)
Protest leaders celebrated the agreement as a victory, stating that the university has conceded to their demands after years of pressure, arrests, hunger strikes, and encampments.
They vowed to continue their work, standing in solidarity with student protesters and the people of Palestine. The protests have resulted in hundreds of student arrests nationwide, with some devolving into violence between students, counterprotesters, and police.
Columbia University has seen escalated protests, with students occupying an administration building, prompting university leaders to consider criminal charges. The debate over freedom of expression has paralyzed campuses, highlighting the need for constructive dialogue and resolution.
