As students engaged in the world outside the University bubble, we are troubled by investments in military contractors that profit from a war that has killed over 3,000 U.S. soldiers and an estimated 665,000 Iraqis.
For The Wesleyan Student Assembly (WSA) and Students for Ending the War in Iraq (SEWI), the University’s investment in companies profiting from the Iraq War directly contradict Wesleyan’s image and commitment to social justice.
Chief University Investment Officer Thomas Kannam has not responded to Argus, WSA, or SEWI inquiries regarding Wesleyan’s current investments. Additionally, the Office of Investments has not released any quarterly holdings or proxy votes made in the name of Wesleyan, leaving students, parents, and alumni unsure about the University’s investment decisions. Students and alumni deserve to know how money is being spent.
Universities across the country are currently considering divestment, recalling similar efforts during apartheid in South Africa and genocide in Sudan. Wesleyan could be on the cutting edge of activism by taking a stance on this important issue. Since the University is currently invested in approximately 80 companies, divestment from a few would not necessarily cause significant financial harm, although without proper disclosure we can do nothing but speculate.
While the WSA is advocating for divestment from weapons contractors profiting from the Iraq war, and SEWI is advocating for divestment from weapons contractors regardless of U.S. military involvement in Iraq, we believe an informed middle ground can be reached. The University should divest from military contractors profiting from the Iraq War, as Wesleyan should not tie its financial future to a protracted occupation of Iraq. A broader evaluation of the companies the University invests in should follow. Overall. we seek more transparency from the Office of Investments.
When President Michael Roth met with SEWI last week to discuss divestment, the two parties didn’t come to any definitive agreements. Still, Roth promised to bring up the issue of divestment in military contractors, and we applaud Roth for being an advocate of student interest. We also believe students can and should take the issue into their own hands. This week the Board of Trustees is meeting on campus. On Friday at 4 p.m. in the Zelnick Pavilion there will be a mixer where students can meet and talk to members of the Board of Trustees. We highly encourage all students who care about University investments to attend this meeting and make their voices heard.
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