Joseph Edelman, a trustee at Brown University, resigned on Sunday in protest of an upcoming vote to divest from companies tied to Israel. Edelman, a hedge fund manager and significant donor to the university, called the decision to hold the vote “morally reprehensible,” particularly in light of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. His resignation follows the university’s decision to consider divesting its endowment from firms connected to the Israeli military and security apparatus, a move largely prompted by student activists.
The divestment vote, scheduled for October, was agreed upon after months of protests on Brown's campus. Student demonstrators, pushing for transparency and action, had previously staged encampments demanding the university sever ties with companies that allegedly support Israeli military activities. According to Edelman, the university's willingness to entertain such a vote reveals a troubling tolerance for rising antisemitism and a disregard for the moral complexities surrounding Israel’s right to defend itself. He specifically cited the October 7 terrorist attacks as justification for Israel's defensive actions, stating that Israel has a moral duty to protect its citizens.
Brown University board trustee announces resignation ahead of vote on divestment from Israel: 'Cowardice' https://t.co/q5YbnzSpEb #FoxNews
— Frankie Crisostomo (@FrancCrist) September 10, 2024
Edelman’s resignation marks a significant break from Brown’s typically low-profile governing body. A member since 2019, he donated millions to the institution, including $1.65 million toward brain science research. His decision to step down, published in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, underscores the depth of his discontent with the university’s handling of the divestment issue. Edelman expressed frustration over the school’s concession to activists, accusing Brown of rewarding disruptive behavior rather than maintaining moral clarity.
In response to Edelman’s resignation, Brown University defended its decision to hold the vote, emphasizing that it is following long-established procedures. University spokesman Brian Clark described the process as one that encourages confronting challenging ethical questions. Clark stated that the university has a half-century-old framework for evaluating divestment proposals, and the upcoming vote does not imply a predetermined outcome. Brown's decision to engage with the divestment demands stems from its obligation to review claims challenging its moral responsibilities, not from pressure from activists, according to Clark.
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Not Funny: NBC Cuts Jimmy Fallon’s ‘Tonight Show’ to Four Nights a Week https://t.co/KRkqVR35ml via @BreitbartNews
— Rebecca Pickens (@rebepick) September 10, 2024
The divestment campaign at Brown is part of a broader movement on U.S. campuses, where students have increasingly called on their universities to divest from companies profiting from conflicts like the one in Gaza. The companies targeted by Brown students include major defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics. Students argue that these firms contribute to the perpetuation of violence in Palestinian territories. Proponents of divestment claim that such actions align with the university’s stated commitment to human rights and ethical investment practices.
Edelman’s resignation has sparked debate among the Brown community and beyond. While some support his stance, seeing the divestment vote as a capitulation to anti-Israel sentiments, others argue that the university is right to allow its students and faculty to engage in critical discussions about its financial entanglements. The decision Brown’s board faces in October could have far-reaching implications, both for the university’s finances and its reputation in an increasingly polarized academic environment.
This isn’t the first time Brown has faced criticism for its handling of contentious issues. Earlier this year, university president Christina Paxson initially rejected calls for divestment but later reversed course following intense pressure from student groups. This reversal has only fueled concerns among critics like Edelman, who believe the university is sacrificing its values in the face of activist demands.
Edelman’s departure raises broader questions about how universities should balance ethical investment with financial responsibility and the role of activism in shaping institutional policies. As Brown prepares for its October vote, the outcome will likely be watched closely by other universities grappling with similar pressures from student bodies and faculty members.
