Hundreds of students across prestigious universities like Harvard, Columbia, Yale, and UC Berkeley are rallying for disclosure and divestment concerning investments tied to Israel and weapons fueling the Gaza conflict. These protests, led by figures like Malak Afaneh, a UC Berkeley law student, demand that universities sever ties with entities linked to Israel, including BlackRock, Google, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and Airbnb.

Despite being a contentious demand, with critics labeling it antisemitic and facing legal obstacles in several states, student activists remain resolute, drawing inspiration from historical divestment movements such as apartheid-era South Africa. However, universities like Harvard and Yale have firmly rejected these calls for divestment, emphasizing financial stewardship and the complexity of their investment strategies.

The Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) coalition, spearheaded by individuals like Ray Guerrero and Layla Saliba, presses for transparency regarding their university's investments, highlighting concerns about undisclosed billions in endowment funds. They argue that student tuition indirectly contributes to these investments and should therefore be disclosed openly.

Universities counter these claims, asserting that tuition fees are not directly invested and that endowment funds primarily stem from donations and investment gains. The complexity of modern endowment management, involving various financial instruments like private equity and hedge funds, complicates divestment efforts.

The fight against fossil fuel investments serves as a parallel struggle, showcasing the challenges of implementing divestment policies due to long-term financial commitments and investment strategies.

Despite these hurdles, pro-Palestine protesters remain undeterred, continuing their advocacy for transparency and divestment, even as universities grapple with balancing financial responsibilities and student demands.

Hundreds of students across prestigious universities like Harvard, Columbia, Yale, and UC Berkeley are rallying for disclosure and divestment concerning investments tied to Israel and weapons fueling the Gaza conflict. These protests, led by figures like Malak Afaneh, a UC Berkeley law student, demand that universities sever ties with entities linked to Israel, including BlackRock, Google, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and Airbnb.

Despite being a contentious demand, with critics labeling it antisemitic and facing legal obstacles in several states, student activists remain resolute, drawing inspiration from historical divestment movements such as apartheid-era South Africa. However, universities like Harvard and Yale have firmly rejected these calls for divestment, emphasizing financial stewardship and the complexity of their investment strategies.

The Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) coalition, spearheaded by individuals like Ray Guerrero and Layla Saliba, presses for transparency regarding their university's investments, highlighting concerns about undisclosed billions in endowment funds. They argue that student tuition indirectly contributes to these investments and should therefore be disclosed openly.

Universities counter these claims, asserting that tuition fees are not directly invested and that endowment funds primarily stem from donations and investment gains. The complexity of modern endowment management, involving various financial instruments like private equity and hedge funds, complicates divestment efforts.

The fight against fossil fuel investments serves as a parallel struggle, showcasing the challenges of implementing divestment policies due to long-term financial commitments and investment strategies.

Despite these hurdles, pro-Palestine protesters remain undeterred, continuing their advocacy for transparency and divestment, even as universities grapple with balancing financial responsibilities and student demands.