The University of Guelph's Board of Governors has received a report from its Ad Hoc Committee on Special Action Requests regarding an expression of concern submitted by UoG for Palestine in March 2024.
The submission, made under the University's Special Action Policy (SAP), requested that the University freeze and divest its investments in five companies identified in the request. The Committee also considered the broader investments in the armaments industry. As part of the SAP process, in fall 2024, the Committee invited all members of the University community to submit written responses to the expression of concern.
Following a comprehensive review of the request, the Committee has recommended that the University not proceed with divestment.
Throughout its deliberations, the Committee carefully considered the criteria outlined in the SAP. The review was extensive and included an analysis of the University's investment portfolio, consultation with relevant financial experts, and a review of written representations received from the University community.
The Committee determined that the University's investments in the named companies represent a minimal portion of the overall investment portfolio. It further concluded that any divestment of the named companies would require a fundamental change in the University's investment approach and introduce a level of risk and cost materially disproportionate to the size of the investments of concern themselves. As a result, it was determined by the Committee that divestment of the nature contemplated in the expression of concern submitted by UoG for Palestine would be inconsistent with the Board's legal fiduciary duty.
The Committee was further required to consider the potential social injury effects of the investments. It noted the importance of addressing these concerns with care, given the gravity of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Committee acknowledged the deep suffering of individuals in both Gaza and Israel resulting from the violence in the region. Following thorough review, the Committee found the issues of social injury are complex but was not able to establish a clear causal link between a university investment and social injury, as defined in the Policy.
The University recognizes that the issues driving the question of divestment are deeply meaningful to many in our community and are rooted in a broader, complex global conversation. U of G remains committed to maintaining a learning environment in which individuals are free to express differing views on complex political and social issues.
The Committee's report, which details its findings and recommendations, will be considered by the Board of Governors at a special meeting on May 30.
The full report is available on the Secretariat website.
