In a significant win for pro-Palestinian activists, San Francisco State University (SFSU) has divested from four weapons companies linked to Israel's war on Gaza, marking a "major victory" for the divestment movement and Palestinian rights advocacy in the U.S.
The university will withdraw its investments from American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, Italian defense firm Leonardo, U.S.-based data analysis company Palantir Technologies, and construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar. These companies were flagged under SFSU's new ethical investment policy, which aims to ensure that future investments align with human rights and social justice principles.
Students for Gaza SFSU, who had led months of demonstrations, announced the news at a rally on campus, celebrating the university's commitment to ethical investing and its respect for student voices.
Noam Perry of the American Friends Service Committee highlighted the importance of SFSU's decision, noting that it not only addressed specific companies but established a broader ethical framework that will guide future investments. Perry emphasized that while this is a significant achievement, continued efforts are needed to fully align the university's investments with its commitments to human rights and social justice.
The divestment decision comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israel's war has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, with many more injured. SFSU's action sends a powerful message about the role of institutions in advocating for justice and human rights.
