(Providence, Rhode Island - October 10, 2024) — StandWithUs congratulates the Jewish students at Brown University, including two current StandWithUs Emerson Fellows and one Emerson alum, for their pivotal leadership in opposing the Brown Divest Coalition’s (BDC) anti-Israel BDS proposal. The Brown Corporation's October 9th decision to reject this harmful proposal is a major victory for those standing against antisemitism and for a more inclusive, open campus environment.
At a key meeting with the Advisory Committee on University Resources Management (ACURM), these students delivered persuasive arguments, navigating challenging questions, and helping secure an 8-2-1 vote against divestment. The Brown Corporation’s decision to uphold this vote reaffirms the university’s commitment to academic freedom and its refusal to let the endowment be used as a political weapon.
“BDS is not a campaign for peace—it has a divisive, discriminatory agenda that seeks to demonize and isolate Israel and distort the truth,” said Roz Rothstein, CEO of StandWithUs. “We are incredibly proud of the students at Brown for their strength and leadership in combating antisemitism. We urge other institutions to follow Brown’s example and reject BDS, as we’ve seen at Williams, Occidental, Chapman, and Amherst College.”
This victory at Brown is part of a broader movement across college campuses rejecting efforts to use divestment as a tool to create divisiveness on campus while undermining Israel’s legitimacy. BDS campaigns with ties to terrorist organizations, fuel hate and conflict, while doing nothing to promote genuine dialogue or peace. Brown University’s decision sends a powerful message that intellectual integrity and inclusivity will prevail over manipulation, coercion and hate.
As more schools consider similar proposals, StandWithUs calls on university leaders nationwide to reject the divisive politics of BDS and stand firm in supporting policies that promote dialogue, coexistence, and academic freedom.
Founded in 2007 with a generous grant from Los Angeles philanthropists Rita and Steve Emerson, the StandWithUs Emerson Fellowship is a prestigious one-year program that trains, supports and empowers student leaders on college campuses around the world. Chosen from hundreds of universities throughout the US, Canada and SWU offices worldwide, Emerson Fellows lead their communities and inspire their peers through dynamic programs, impactful campaigns, and meaningful discussions about Israel. Emerson Fellows receive comprehensive training in Israel education, community-building, campus leadership, and navigating antisemitism on campus, along with direct access to StandWithUs resources and in-house specialists.
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