(FOX40.COM) — Officials at California State University, Sacramento edited its “Policy on Policies” to include a line condemning violations of fundamental human rights in general and said it would not invest in companies or funds that profit from genocide or ethnic cleansing.
“CSU Sacramento opposes and condemns all acts of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and other activities that violate fundamental human rights,” the updated policy now reads. “CSU Sacramento will not engage in any activity or enter into any agreement that conflicts with these values.”
A university spokesperson said pro-Palestinian student activists, who had set up tents on campus a little more than a week ago, agreed to break down the encampments.
The demonstration was part of a nationwide movement of students protesting their university’s ties to Israel.
A statement from the university celebrated the resolution.
“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.
The university said the change was “intentionally meant to cover the many atrocities and challenges that are taking place all over the world” but did not explicitly mention the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Changes to another policy affect investment rules for the university’s auxiliary organizations, including the University Foundation at Sacramento State (UFSS) which is the “primary vehicle for the accumulation and management of funds contributed to units of the University.”
“…[T]he 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,” the updated Auxiliary Organizations at Sacramento State and Conditions of Maintenance of Good Standing policy now reads. “UFSS and other campus auxiliaries are also directed to investigate a socially responsible stance for indirect investments “
The university said the UFSS does not currently have direct investments “in corporations and funds that profit from genocide, ethnic cleansing, and activities that violate fundamental human rights.”
As of the end of 2022, UFSS had over $100,000,000 invested in publicly traded securities.
Sacramento State University President Luke Woods also issued an executive memorandum in support of student protests.
“Student protests and political action are cornerstones of higher education and democracy, and we unequivocally condemn hate and bias in all forms,” Wood’s memorandum reads. “We support students’ right to engage in peaceful activism without fear for their personal safety. “
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