**Cambridge University’s King’s College Ditches Weapons Investments**
In a significant move, King’s College at the University of Cambridge has announced that it will no longer invest in companies that produce weapons. This decision comes after months of protests and campaigns by students demanding the college to divest from firms involved in the conflict in Gaza.
The governing body of King’s College voted to adopt new responsible investment policies, aligning their values with those of their community. This change is seen as a “massive victory” by Stella Swain, a member of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
The student-led group Cambridge for Palestine had been calling on the University to divest from companies that are complicit in the ethnic cleansing and destruction of Palestine. The college has now committed to excluding firms involved in activities recognized as illegal or contrary to global norms, such as occupation. This will also mean a halt to investments in nuclear weapons, military equipment, and companies restricted by international treaties.
The decision was influenced by discussions prompted by the conflicts in Ukraine and the Palestinian territories. Gillian Tett, a prominent figure, praised the process that led to this outcome, saying it demonstrated the college’s capacity to model change and reflect its values.
Ms Swain highlighted the importance of student activism in achieving this result, stating that if King’s College can listen to its students and take action, so can other universities. This move is seen as a significant step towards promoting peace and social justice on campus.
**What does this mean for the future?**
The changes are expected to be implemented by the end of the year. This decision sets a precedent for other institutions to follow suit, raising hopes that more universities will take similar steps to divest from companies involved in conflicts and human rights abuses.
As Ms Swain noted, every university has the opportunity to act and be on the right side of this issue. The impact of this move extends beyond King’s College, potentially influencing the broader academic community and inspiring other institutions to adopt responsible investment policies.
**What next?**
The implications of this decision will likely be felt across the UK higher education sector. Other universities may now feel pressure to review their investments and consider similar moves. As students continue to push for social justice and human rights, it is possible that we will see more institutions following King’s College’s lead in the coming months.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
