Columbia ends 14-year divestment in Sudan, cites investment as a force for stabilization
Millie Felder / Senior Staff Photographer
Experts consulted by the ACSRI believe the decision to end divestment is one step toward revitalizing a country in the midst of a transition from autocratic to democratic rule.
By Dia Gill | February 4, 2021, 11:44 PM
Columbia has officially ended its 14-year policy of divestment and non-investment in companies operating in Sudan. The board of trustees voted to lift the policy on Jan. 20 after a recommendation issued by the University’s Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing.
The University officially divested from Sudan in 2006, following the lead of the U.S. government’s decision to enforce economic sanctions in 1997 and to label the ongoing crisis in Sudan as a “genocide” in 2004. Both the University and U.S. government have previously cited extensive human rights violations as reasons they imposed economic sanctions or divested from Sudan. However, due to developments in recent years, the ACSRI has concluded that ending its policy of non-investment is now “necessary to stabilize the country and reduce human rights’ violations.” Experts consulted by the ACSRI believe the decision to end divestment is one step toward revitalizing a country in the midst of a transition from autocratic to democratic rule.