Chapman Prepares for Divestment Vote as Fall Semester Begins
Chapman introduces a new policy imposing bans on future encampments as Students for Justice in Palestine pushes for divestment from companies alleged to be involved in Gaza conflict. Photo by Emily Paris
As the fall semester begins at Chapman University, attention is focused on the upcoming vote regarding a divestment proposal led by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). The proposal calls for the university to divest from companies alleged to be involved in human rights violations in Gaza. The Board of Trustees’ Investment Committee is set to vote on the proposal on Sep. 10.
SJP’s push for divestment gained momentum in the spring of 2024, following an encampment organized by the group to raise awareness of their cause. Throughout the summer, SJP representatives engaged with university officials, including Provost Norma Bouchard, President Daniele Struppa and Dean Jerry Price, to prepare their presentation for the upcoming vote. While the decision will be determined by a simple majority, the outcome remains uncertain due to the complex administrative processes involved.
In response to the spring encampment, Chapman University announced that students involved in the protest would be granted amnesty, ensuring that no disciplinary action would be taken against participants. This decision has been seen as a recognition of students’ right to peaceful protest and has been generally supported by the campus community.
In addition to the divestment proposal, SJP has advocated for other changes, including the creation of a Middle Eastern-North African (MENA) advocate position within the university’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) office. Bouchard confirmed that this position is expected to be filled by June 2025.
Other demands, such as ending study abroad programs in Occupied Palestine and discontinuing university-sponsored Birthright trips, remain under consideration and continue to generate debate within the university.
Over the summer, Chapman University introduced a new policy regarding the use of campus property. The new policy regarding the Use of Campus Property and Facilities "now specifies that encampments and camping of any kind will not be permitted on the Chapman campuses going forward."
This update was announced in an email from Struppa and follows recommendations from a task force formed to review campus property use policies. The revision aims to maintain campus operations, ensure health and safety and protect the condition of university property. The email emphasized that protests and other forms of free expression will continue to be supported "consistent with university policies.”
“We fully support protests and demonstrations, and we encourage civil discourse,” Struppa said in a statement. “However, we must also ensure the health and safety of our community and the good condition of our campus.”
Reactions to the new policy have been mixed. While some students support the measure, citing the importance of campus order and safety, others have expressed concerns that it could limit future protests. The administration has maintained that the policy is necessary to balance free expression with the need for a functional and safe campus environment.
As the Sept. 10 vote approaches, the decision on divestment has drawn considerable attention from the campus community. The outcome could influence the university’s investment practices and its stance on broader ethical issues. The vote is also part of a larger conversation about how Chapman engages with global concerns and the role student activism plays in shaping university policies.
The result of the vote, whether in favor of divestment or not, is expected to have a lasting impact on the university’s approach to student activism and ethical investment strategies. With the new academic year underway, Chapman University continues to navigate the complex intersection of institutional policy, student advocacy and global responsibility.