WWU No more investments linked to fossil fuels, weapons, human rights violations

Western Washington University has taken a significant step toward socially responsible investing by adopting a new policy that prohibits investments in companies involved in fossil fuels, weapons, and human rights violations. This decision comes in response to demands from pro-Palestine student protesters who advocated for ethical investment practices last spring. The Board of Trustees approved the policy with the intent to enhance transparency, allowing students, faculty, and staff to request divestment from specific holdings. While the university controls $78 million in investments under this policy, the separate foundation managing a $144. 2 million endowment is not obligated to comply.

Nevertheless, the foundation's CEO has indicated that a review of their investment policy is underway. The university’s commitment to publish its investment portfolio online also aims to foster proactive transparency. Liam Pratt, a student committee member, highlighted this policy as a victory of over a decade of activism. This initiative reflects a broader movement towards ethical investment practices in educational institutions.