Cambridge to Consider Cutting Ties with Arms Companies

In a significant move, 165 academics have called on the University of Cambridge to divest from all weapons investments by next year. This request, formally submitted to the University Council on July 26, 2024, has prompted the university’s governing body to vote on the proposals, aiming for divestment by the start of Michaelmas Term 2025.

A Grace signed by 166 academics was submitted, outlining several demands. These include the disclosure of all direct and indirect investments in companies involved in the arms industry. The motion insists on complete divestment and prevention of future investments in arms companies. It also demands that the annual report of the Cambridge University Endowment Fund include detailed information on arms investments.

The University Council is set to consider the Grace for approval on October 21, with a vote on the proposal expected in the following months. If the Grace is passed, the Council will publish a report within six months detailing the divestment process and a timeline for its completion. Additionally, the report will examine how divestment will impact the university’s mission and function.

The University released a statement on July 23, 2024, promising to review its investments. This review will begin with the establishment of a working group over the summer, followed by a comprehensive review during Michaelmas 2024. This statement was issued in response to ongoing pressure from students, including a Pro-Palestine encampment on King’s Parade. Following the university’s promise to review arms investments, the protesters agreed to dismantle the camp.

In addition to the working group, the University proposed creating a student-led task force to oversee investment and research policies. Cambridge for Palestine (C4P), the student group behind the camp, expressed their willingness to cooperate with the task force and working group to ensure that the commitments to review arms investments and partnerships are fulfilled.

However, the University’s statement did not explicitly commit to divestment from the arms industry. Instead, it offered to review processes related to responsible investments, ensuring alignment with the university’s institutional values.

The Grace is part of growing pressure on the University to divest from the arms industry. Alongside C4P’s encampment, supported by the Student Union and multiple college Junior Common Rooms (JCRs), King’s College committed to reviewing sustainable investments in June, following student protests against its alleged ties to Israel. Similarly, Trinity College reportedly committed to pulling its direct investments in arms companies after it was found to hold investments in Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms company.

Related: Harvard Graduate Slams University Over Barred Pro-Palestine Students