Mahmoud Khalil, a lead negotiator for student protesters at Columbia University, aimed to sever all financial ties with Israel. However, negotiations revealed that the university was unwilling to consider divestment as an option. Despite presenting proposals and counter offers, the administration did not commit to divestment, leading Khalil and other protesters to reject the terms offered by the university. Other offers from Columbia, such as reviewing investments and considering divestitures, were also deemed insufficient by the protesters.
The demands of the protesters included increased transparency regarding Columbia’s investments to assess ties to Israel. Less than 1% of the university’s $13.6 billion endowment is publicly disclosed, with protesters identifying small holdings in companies connected to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the university did not agree to completely disclose its financial holdings, it offered to provide a process for students to access direct investment information and proposed aid programs for childhood development in the West Bank and Gaza. Khalil and his team also suggested divesting from weapons manufacturers and companies complicit in violating international law, which the university declined.
Negotiations with Columbia reached an impasse when the university declined the proposal for divestment and threatened suspensions for the protesters. Ultimately, Columbia announced an end to negotiations, citing an inability to reach a resolution. The New York Police Department cleared the encampment after almost two weeks, resulting in Khalil’s suspension which was later reversed by the university. Despite the setback, Khalil remains focused on educating and supporting the Palestinian community at Columbia.
While some universities, like Brown University and Northwestern University, were able to reach agreements with protesters regarding divestment, others, including Columbia, refused to negotiate. Columbia has a history of student protests and divestment demands on various issues, such as apartheid in South Africa and private prison companies. However, when it comes to Israel, the university has maintained a different stance, with past presidents opposing divestment efforts related to the country.
Pressure from donors, as well as contentious debates regarding Israel and apartheid, have influenced Columbia’s stance on divestment. Both students and external figures have weighed in on the issue, with some threatening to withhold donations unless certain actions are taken by the university. The complexity of divesting assets linked to Israel, particularly through indirect investments, presents a challenge for universities like Columbia. Experts suggest focusing on specific companies with direct investments for greater success in achieving divestment goals.
Despite the lack of agreement, Columbia’s president emphasized the university’s commitment to free speech and ongoing dialogue following the negotiations. Khalil expressed reservations about the negotiation process but remains dedicated to strengthening the Palestinian community at Columbia. He believes there is momentum for change and activism among students supporting the Palestinian cause. The outcome of the negotiations and subsequent events at Columbia highlight the challenges and complexities involved in addressing divestment issues related to Israel.
