Portland State University ‘pauses' ties with Boeing amidst anti-Israel protests
- In Reports
- 11:53 AM, Apr 29, 2024
- Myind Staff
Portland State University (PSU) has made a bold decision to halt the acceptance of gifts and grants from Boeing until a comprehensive examination of the ethical considerations is undertaken. PSU President Ann Cudd announced this decision against the backdrop of nationwide protests, including those at PSU, regarding Israel's conflict in Gaza.
Boeing had invested $150,000 in the school to name a classroom and provides around $28,000 a year for scholarships, according to PSU’s Vanguard newspaper.
The school has no investments in Boeing, but does accept philanthropic gifts, university president Ann Cudd said.
Student organizations nationwide have been campaigning for universities to cut ties with Israel and divest from companies that supply weapons and technology to the country.
"I have heard many students and faculty express that they would like to see PSU cut ties with the company. I initially found these demands confusing and arbitrary: PSU has no investments in Boeing but accepts philanthropic gifts from the company and, given that Boeing is a major employer in the region, many of our alumni work there,” PSU President Ann Cudd said in a letter to the campus community Friday.
Initially, Cudd found these demands perplexing and seemingly arbitrary, particularly considering PSU's limited financial interactions with Boeing. However, the passionate expressions from the campus community prompted her to reassess the situation.
“However, the passion with which these demands are being repeatedly expressed by some in our community motivates me, as a scholar of academic ethics and a university leader responsible for the well-being of our campus constituents, to listen and ask additional questions,” Cudd said
Boeing, a prominent figure in the aerospace industry, proudly highlights on its website its longstanding relationship with Israel, spanning over 75 years since the establishment of the State of Israel. Presently, the Israel Defense Forces utilise nine distinct Boeing products, which contribute to a significant $3.5 billion benefit to the Israeli economy. The presence of numerous PSU alumni employed by Boeing further adds complexity to the ethical considerations.
Pro-Palestinian protestors at universities across the United States have similarly called for businesses, governments, and academic institutions to sever connections with Boeing due to its involvement in the conflict.
Image source: Reuters
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