91download.com supports a wide range of platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Dailymotion, Reddit, Bilibili, Douyin, Xiaohongshu and Zhihu, etc. Click the download button below to parse and download the current video
The airwaves have been buzzing with visuals of U.S. students taking a stand against the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. In a striking display of solidarity, Columbia University became the epicenter of a student protest movement that rapidly spread to over 100 universities, including prestigious institutions like Yale, Harvard, and UCLA.
These protests aren't just about voicing discontent; they're about demanding action. The clarion call from the students is simple yet powerful: "DISCLOSE - DIVEST." Across campuses, students are occupying quads and buildings, advocating for their institutions to divest their endowments from Israel, effectively cutting ties with weapons manufacturers supporting the Israeli war effort.
The significance of these endowments cannot be overstated. They are the lifeblood of universities, supporting operations and providing opportunities for future generations. With Harvard University leading the pack with a $49.5 billion endowment, it's clear that these funds are substantial. But where does this money go, and how does it impact the world?
Students are now questioning the investments that fuel these endowments. Tuition only covers a fraction of operating costs, with the majority coming from the proceeds of these investments. As graduates, they are asked to contribute to these endowments, perpetuating a cycle that supports the universities' financial health.
But transparency is a significant issue. Endowment managers aren't merely stock pickers; they're building a comprehensive institutional plan involving ETFs, hedge funds, and private equity. This complexity makes it difficult to trace where the money is invested and which companies are doing business with Israel.
Corporate filings often lack clarity, grouping Israel with other regions, making it challenging to identify companies with exposure. However, student activists are compiling lists of prominent companies engaged with Israel, advocating for universities to sever ties with giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.
The strategy of divestment isn't new. Students protesting the university's investments in South Africa in the 1980s convinced over 150 universities to divest from apartheid-linked companies. While there's no clear evidence that divestment made an economic difference in South Africa, it undoubtedly played a significant role in political change.
So, the question arises: will divestment have a substantial economic impact on Israel? Probably not. But could it lead to political change? There's evidence suggesting it does. The attention these protests are garnering, including mentions by President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu, indicates that students are shifting hearts and minds.
However, universities are cautious. Divestment might lower returns on endowments, affecting their ability to serve future students. There's a trade-off between meeting today's demands and preparing for the future. Divestment may seem like a shortcut, but it's essential to consider whether it truly serves our goals.
As the student movement gains momentum, one thing is clear: the power of collective action and the demand for transparency and ethical investment are reshaping the conversation. The question now is, will universities heed the call for change?
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook