UPDATE: In a decisive move, the Cornell Graduate Students United (CGSU) has just announced their overwhelming support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement aimed at supporting Palestine. The results of the referendum were made public on November 7, 2023, following a three-day voting period that concluded on November 6.
This pivotal decision positions the union as a vocal opponent of what they describe as “human rights abuses” against Palestinians, directly implicating Cornell University in these actions through financial ties and research partnerships with the weapons industry. The union’s statement emphasizes that Cornell has historically profited from the “dispossession” of both Palestinians and indigenous peoples, specifically the Cayuga Nation, on whose traditional lands the university sits.
The CGSU’s commitment to the BDS movement is part of a broader struggle to combat perceived injustices and “genocide” in Gaza, which they assert is perpetuated by U.S. military aid. Notably, they highlight that since 2023, the U.S. has provided at least $12.5 billion in direct military aid to Israel, all while domestic social services face significant cuts.
In addition to joining the BDS campaign, the union has vowed to implement “Funding Transparency” measures, supporting members who opt out of funding linked to Israeli and U.S. military initiatives. They also plan to advocate for the reinstatement of graduate workers who have faced disciplinary actions for their pro-Palestinian activism.
The urgency of this decision resonates deeply with ongoing pro-Palestinian protests at Cornell amid Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The CGSU’s bold stance comes in the wake of controversial federal funding threats against Cornell, which previously agreed to pay $30 million in a settlement deal while investing in agricultural research to benefit American farmers.
As the situation develops, Cornell University now faces increased pressure to respond to this growing movement and the demands of its graduate student body. The implications of this vote extend beyond campus, as it signifies a larger trend among academic institutions engaging with global human rights issues.
The CGSU’s actions reflect a rising consciousness among students about the interconnectedness of social justice movements worldwide, urging wider discussions and actions against perceived injustices. As they navigate this complex landscape, all eyes are on Cornell to see how it will address the concerns raised by its graduate students and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy regarding the Middle East.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, with significant implications for both Cornell University and the international community engaged in the discourse around Palestine.
