University of Toronto Faculty Association Votes to Divest From Israel Citing Illegal Occupation

The University of Toronto Faculty Association (UTFA) voted to divest from Israel, citing the illegal occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory as a primary reason for their decision. The motion, which passed on May 8 with 52 percent voting in favor, aims to integrate these commitments into the university's Investment Exclusion policy, reported The New Arab.

The divestment initiative has been influenced by the UofT Faculty and Librarians for UPP Divestment campaign. This group argued that university pension funds should not be invested in entities allegedly complicit in human rights violations, noted The New Arab. The decision reflects a broader trend within academic institutions globally responding to Israel's actions in Gaza.

UTFA becomes the 20th faculty or academic association to endorse such a motion against Israel, according to Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME). The resolution not only targets Israeli enterprises but also calls for divestment from entities involved in the manufacture or distribution of arms and munitions where there are reasonable grounds to suspect they may have been used by Israel in Palestine.

"Divestment victory!" hailed Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East. CJPME views UTFA's action as a significant step in the broader global campaign against Israel's occupation policies, a viewpoint they have consistently maintained.

Additionally, the motion seeks to bar investment in companies engaged in activities supporting or sustaining the illegal occupation, drawing a parallel with divestment actions taken against Russia following its annexation of Crimea. UTFA has shared this decision with both the Canadian Association of University Teachers and the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations, seeking further support and solidarity.

The move has stirred controversy. David Jacobs, a vocal critic of the decision, posted on X: The University of Toronto Faculty Association just voted to divest from Israel, counter to the university's policy of non-divestment. Israel was the only country singled out for divestment.

The divestment motion has been formally submitted to the Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair of the Ontario University Pension Plan (UPP), which also encompasses faculty and staff at Queen's University, the University of Guelph, and Trent University. UTFA's decision is expected to impact these institutions similarly, as UPP manages the pension funds across these universities.

The motion emulates earlier initiatives sweeping through academic settings. Institutions such as the University of York in the UK and Trinity College Dublin have announced plans to sever financial ties with Israeli companies, following student-led protests. Furthermore, a referendum passed by Harvard Law School students in March urged their university to divest from Israel.

In this wave of academic-driven movements, UTFA has aligned its divestment strategy with earlier measures against Russian entities, indicating a parallel approach to investment exclusions based on geopolitical concerns. The association's approach underlines a growing trend among academic bodies to leverage financial influence as a means of protest against policies perceived as unjust or illegal.