In Response to UCLA Divestment

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Students gathered to debate a resolution criticizing divestment at UCLA. Photo: Agatha Palma

Congressman Waxman, State Senator Lieu and State Senator-Elect Ben Allen Release Statement on UCLA Student Government Endorsement of Israel Divestment Policy

In response to the UCLA student government passing a non-binding resolution calling for divestment of school funds from American companies with a presence in the West Bank or whose products are used by the Israeli military, Rep. Henry Waxman, State Sen. Ted Lieu, and State Sen.-elect Ben Allen issued the following statement:

“We are deeply disappointed by the UCLA student government’s passage of a resolution in favor of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.

Subcribe to The Jewish Link Eblast

While the resolution is purely symbolic, it is misguided and showcases an anti-Israel bias rather than a legitimate concern for human rights. Directing divestment policy squarely at Israel, a democratic country with institutionalized civil rights protections for minorities, ignores the complexity of the conflict and does nothing to foster peace or even healthy debate and mutual understanding. The only tangible impact BDS resolutions have is creating a hostile and uncomfortable environment for many students on campus.

We applaud UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and the Board of Regents for dismissing this resolution and rejecting BDS measures targeting Israel. In time, we hope the student government finds more constructive ways to address grievances and bring the UCLA community together.”

Ted W. Lieu chairs the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee and represents the more than 1.3 million residents of Senate District 28, which includes the cities of Beverly Hills, Carson, El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, Torrance, West Hollywood and the Palos Verdes Peninsula as well as portions of Long Beach and Los Angeles including, Beverly Glen, Brentwood, Cheviot Hills, Harbor City, Hollywood Hills, Marina del Rey, Mar Vista, Pacific Palisades, Playa del Rey, San Pedro, Venice, Westwood and Wilmington. See a district map at: http://sd28.senate.ca.gov/district-28-map

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