In an effort to encourage ethical financial practices and social justice, we ask that North Central College do three things:

1: Commit to tracking how North Central’s money is invested, either directly by the college, or by outside investment managers. 
2: Begin the practice of publicly disclosing the specifics of North Central’s investments.
3: If found within North Central’s investments, divest from companies in support of the Israeli Occupation of Palestine, as outlined by BDS, weapons manufacturers, and any other companies that go against NCC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

This petition is not created to accuse anyone at North Central College of wrongdoing. Administration has been generally accommodating of student inquiry, and to our knowledge; there is currently no public verification that NCC invests in companies tied to the occupation of Palestine or weapons manufacturers. However, there is also no confirmation that NCC does not invest in these arenas. This petition is intended to start a wider campus conversation, and to show that the North Central community is interested in further financial transparency from the college, particularly on ethical investments. 

In conversation with administration, questions regarding NCC investments were responded to with general information. This included the results of the June 2023 audit which lists “Investments and fair value of financial investments,” which lists over $100,000,000 worth of investments, including stocks, bonds, hedge funds, etc. When asked for a further breakdown of specific companies or groups that the college invests in, the request was denied as part of current policy. We were told that the college is committed to being responsible stewards in a manner that aligns with NCC’s mission and values. This statement would be all the more powerful if there were a way for the North Central College community to publicly view North Central’s financial investments.

In response to student voices, the administration has recognized a need for further transparency on campus. Financial transparency is just one way that North Central College can show respect and commitment to student calls for ethical global citizenship. In light of the rise in tuition costs for 2024-2025, as well as the recent Day of Giving, money is on our community’s mind. Sharing financial information publicly will help us to grow stronger and more intentional as a community.

Beyond transparency, this petition is also specifically to ask North Central College confirms it is not investing in companies contributing to the occupation of Palestine, or in weapons manufacturers. Many NCC community members have already taken it upon themselves to boycott these groups. While each person’s contribution to the movement is valuable, we do not have the same level of financial power that NCC does. By either confirming we do not currently invest in these groups, or if we do, choosing to divest from them, North Central can show that it stands with community members for financial and social justice.

To NCC community members: Whether you are a student, alum, parent, donor, or simply a friend to the college, please sign this petition. Comment about what you would like to see from NCC’s financial investments – where we should and should NOT be investing. Talk to other members about the community and keep the conversation going.