Petition to the Cal Poly Humboldt Senate Executive Committee (SeneX) in Support of Resolution Calling for CSU-Wide Divestment from Entities Violating Human Rights

We, the undersigned members of the Cal Poly Humboldt community, urge the Senate Executive Committee (SeneX) to vote favorably for the resolution Calling for a CSU-Wide Divestment from Entities Violating Human Rights.

Cal Poly Humboldt stands in opposition to all acts of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and other violations of fundamental human rights. The Principles of Community for Inclusive Excellence for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Cal Poly Humboldt emphasize repair and understanding in the face of harm caused, thereby obligating the administration to respond to demands for divestment as a means of addressing ongoing harm;

On another note, California State University system invests significant funds in corporations profiting from genocide, including companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman; and has indirect investments in corporations such as L3 Harris Technologies, Safran SA, BNP Paribas, and Barclays, which are known to support and profit from human rights violations.

The resolution calls for Cal Poly Humboldt, including its associated foundations and auxiliaries, to disclose and divest its holdings from corporations and funds profiting from genocide, ethnic cleansing, and human rights violations, both directly and indirectly. It urges the university to ensure that its investment portfolios remain free from such direct investments in the future and commit to ongoing monitoring and review to prevent future investments in violative entities. It also demands transparency from the California State University system regarding its financial ties with entities profiting from human rights violations and calls for CSU-wide divestment from such entities.

The resolution also emphasizes a sense of urgency. That is, if the CSU system fails to divest from identified mutual funds within a month, Cal Poly Humboldt may withdraw from the CSU Consolidated Investment Portfolio.

Furthermore, we acknowledge California's anti-BDS law, AB 2844, and affirm that divestment from entities violating human rights does not constitute discrimination as prohibited by the Unruh Civil Rights Act and Fair Employment and Housing Act. AB 2844, aims to prevent entities from boycotting Israel in a manner that discriminates against individuals or violates civil rights laws. However, divestment, boycott, and sanction efforts targeting the State of Israel are not inherently discriminatory nor do they violate the law. These actions are rooted in ethical concerns over Israel's policies and actions, rather than targeting individuals based on their nationality or ethnicity. AB 2844 specifically prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, or public accommodation, and divestment initiatives are focused on corporate entities and government policies, not individuals. Therefore, divestment, boycott, and sanction efforts against the State of Israel align with ethical investment principles and do not violate California's anti-BDS law.

We urge SeneX to vote in favor of this resolution and take a stand for human rights and ethical investment practices.