Sacramento State says 'resolution reached' with pro-Palestinian encampment, changes policy on investments
After over a week of student-led demonstrators camping on Sacramento State grounds demanding action in response to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, the university said it had changed its "socially responsible investment" policy.
The university said it expects the encampment to disassemble on Wednesday.
As of 11 p.m., around half a dozen tents still remained inside the barricade with a number of items scattered throughout.
“We are pleased that we have reached resolution of the issue at the heart of the encampment at Sacramento State. Further, we appreciate that this resolution reflects its peaceful nature," the university said in a statement. "We have created a policy on socially responsible investment. We believe it’s important that our efforts to fund students’ education do not rely upon us benefiting from companies that profit from ethnic cleansing, genocide, or human rights violations."
The policy, which does not specifically list Israel as its target, "is intentionally meant to cover the many atrocities and challenges that are taking place all over the world," Sacramento State said.
The encampment began on the morning of April 29, led by demonstrators identifying themselves as part of the Students for Justice in Palestine movement. On social media, the group has demanded Sacramento State disclose its investments in Israel.
Demonstrators also called for the entire California State University system to divest from companies and partnerships in Israel, for student activism to be defended and for the CSU to declare what they call genocide in Gaza as illegal and indefensible.
The updated policies say the university "condemns all acts of genocide, ethnic cleansing, terrorism and other activities that violate fundamental human rights."
One of the changes says the university's foundation does not have investments in "corporations and funds that profit from genocide, ethnic cleansing and activities that violate fundamental human rights." The change in policy says the university "nevertheless" directs the foundation's finance committee to ensure its investment portfolios steer clear of such investments.
KCRA 3's Orko Manna reported Wednesday that demonstrators celebrated the change as meeting their demands.
"Sac State's administration did everything right. This is what they should have done," a student protester named Farah said. "They are on the side of justice, and they should be clapped for for that."
Farah also said that she hopes Sacramento State's policy changes set an example for other schools within the whole university system.
"This is just one CSU out of the 23, and a couple have already done the encampments, and we don't expect anything short of this, to follow suit for them as well. Our administration paved the way. There should be no excuse for all the other campuses to not follow these students' demands," Farah said.
Below are the revised portions of the policies listed on Sac State's website.
Presidential Memoranda: Executive Memorandum
"CSU Sacramento opposes and condemns all acts of genocide, ethnic cleansing, terrorism and other activities that violate fundamental human rights. Student protests and political action are cornerstones of higher education and democracy, and we unequivocally condemn hate and bias in all forms. We support students’ right to engage in peaceful activism without fear for their personal safety. We understand that many people feel anxious and fearful, particularly when standing for what they believe. We ask that everyone do their part to support one another, to ensure that CSU Sacramento is a safe and inclusive place for all."
"CSU Sacramento opposes and condemns all acts of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and other activities that violate fundamental human rights. CSU Sacramento will not engage in any activity or enter into any agreement that conflicts with these values."
Auxiliary Organizations at Sacramento State and Conditions of Maintenance of Good Standing
"Policy on Socially Responsible Investments: California State University, Sacramento directs its auxiliaries, including the University Foundation at Sacramento State (UFSS), to investigate socially responsible investment strategies which include not having direct investments in corporations and funds that profit from genocide, ethnic cleansing, and activities that violate fundamental human rights. Currently, UFSS does not have any direct investments in these areas. Nevertheless, the University further directs the Finance Committee of UFSS and other auxiliaries to ensure that the University’s investment portfolios remain free of such direct investments. UFSS and other campus auxiliaries are also directed to investigate a socially responsible stance for indirect investments (e.g., index funds, mutual funds). With this stance, the UFSS and other auxiliaries are directed to benchmark these investments with a goal toward limiting them to no more than de minimis in nature. This shall encompass a process of annual review and ongoing monitoring of holdings. We will pursue human rights-based approach to investments."
KCRA 3 is working to confirm if the university is divesting from organizations and companies that support Israel.
The university has allowed the encampment to stay on campus on the condition that demonstrators remain peaceful and compliant with university policies.
Sac State has extended the deadline for the encampment to clear to midnight Wednesday.
Protesters said "no comment" when asked Wednesday afternoon whether they would take the encampment down now.
The protest at Sacramento State is one of several demonstrations happening and university and college campuses across the country.
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