Ceasefire and Divestment Resolution

Currently, as the genocide in Gaza surpasses the 150-day mark, the need for our institution to call for a ceasefire and stop all university operations that perpetuate the genocide is more pressing than ever. This petition seeks to end our institution’s complicity in the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people by releasing a public statement calling for an immediate ceasefire and divesting academically and economically from all of Israel, therefore proving the University’s dedication to upholding its Meliora values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. The call to stop the killing of hundreds of innocent civilians a day, countless human rights violations, and war crimes must be heard from every sector of our society.

With over 30,000 Palestinians killed, 67,000 injured, 1.9 million displaced, and 2.2 million on the brink of catastrophic hunger and starvation by Israel it is imperative that we not only acknowledge these atrocities but also undertake collective action to
advocate for a halt to such grave violations of human rights and international law. In the context of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the 16-year-long blockade on Gaza, the 56-year brutal occupation of Palestine, and the 75-year-long apartheid, this petition calls for an organization-wide divestment from corporations complicit in the human rights violations against Palestinians. More specifically, this petition calls for an end to the purchase of products from corporations identified as profiting from the genocide and occupation of the Palestinian people by the BDS National Committee and grassroots boycotts supported by the BDS movement (published on the BDS website-https://bdsmovement.net/). We are also calling on the university to halt any academic, research, or working relationships with Israeli institutions or companies that profit from the illegal occupation of the Palestinian people. This includes but is not limited to study abroad programs, exchange student programs, internship programs, and medical and archeological studies.

In the spirit of our institution’s proud history, where we boldly acknowledged the profound injustice endured by South Africans under apartheid and took decisive action by divesting from and denouncing such an oppressive regime in 1987, we now implore our current administrators and trustees to carry forth this legacy of standing on the right side of history.

We must echo the voices of justice by calling for an immediate and enduring ceasefire, thereby aligning our principles with the urgent need to halt the suffering of innocent lives. The time has come for us to once again demonstrate our commitment to ethical and humane values by swiftly divesting from any entities that unjustly profit from the anguish of vulnerable populations. This action is necessary and an overdue testament to our unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world. Let us continue to be champions of justice, compassion, and progress, ensuring that our institution’s legacy remains synonymous with taking a principled stand against oppression and standing up for the well-being of all humanity.

Signatures

Signature Count: 263

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