WWU Board of Trustees approves new socially responsible investing policy

Western Washington University (WWU) has taken significant steps towards socially responsible investing by adopting a new policy approved by its Board of Trustees on April 11. This initiative comes in response to pro-Palestinian student protests that occurred last spring, highlighting the university's commitment to align its investments with its core values. The policy explicitly forbids investments in companies involved in fossil fuels, tobacco, weapons production, and human rights violations, emphasizing ethical considerations in financial decisions. Developed by the newly established Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing, the policy also mandates full transparency of the university's investment portfolio on the committee's website. This decision was part of an agreement that ended a two-week encampment protest by students in May 2024, showcasing the influence of student activism on university policies.

However, it's important to note that the Foundation for WWU and Alumni is excluded from this policy due to its status as a separate entity. This move aligns with a broader trend among educational institutions to embrace ethical investment practices, reflecting a growing awareness of social responsibility in finance. Such initiatives not only enhance the university's reputation but also resonate with the values of its student body and community.