Princeton Students Protest Financial Ties to Apartheid South Africa
What happened
In 1978, two hundred and ten Princeton students occupied Nassau Hall to pressure the university's board of trustees to include divestment from companies operating in apartheid South Africa on their agenda. Although the sit-in did not immediately result in divestment, it prompted questions regarding the university's financial ties to human rights abuses. The debate over divestment is currently active at other universities regarding fossil fuel companies and corporations involved in human rights violations.
From nassauweekly.com
Why it matters
The protest highlighted the link between institutional investment practices and human rights issues, setting a precedent for divestment movements. These movements, which are also seen in relation to fossil fuel companies and occupations, influence how universities and other institutions manage their financial risk and investment portfolios.
From nassauweekly.com
Who's involved
- PrincetonThe university where students organized the protest regarding financial ties.
- South AfricaThe country whose apartheid-era companies were the subject of the students' protest.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- PrincetonSpeculative
The university might face changes in its investment policies and risk profile due to social pressure.
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The entities involved
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Princeton
municipality in Mercer County, New Jersey, United States
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South Africa
country in southern Africa