East Lansing, Michigan, September 16, 2025

News Summary

The Michigan State University Board of Trustees is set to review its financial investments after public outcry for divestment from Israel. Tensions rose during a recent board meeting, where students and community members expressed concerns over the university’s financial ties and their ethical implications. The finance committee will discuss these matters before the next board meeting in April, amidst a broader movement advocating for social justice in university investments.

East Lansing, Michigan: MSU Board to Review Financial Investments Amid Calls for Divestment from Israel

The Michigan State University (MSU) Board of Trustees is set to review the university’s financial investments following significant public outcry and demands for divestment from Israel. During a recent board meeting, tensions escalated as public commenters accused the trustees of complicity in “genocide” related to the ongoing conflict in the region. The finance committee will discuss these investments before the board’s next meeting scheduled for April.

Board Chair Rema Vassar confirmed that the finance committee meeting will take place prior to the next board meeting in April, where trustees will focus on evaluating the university’s financial portfolio. This comes in the wake of a growing movement among students and community members advocating for a reevaluation of all investments that support Israel, particularly those associated with weapons manufacturers. MSU currently holds approximately $218.1 million invested in three BlackRock funds and an additional $363.8 million in BNY Mellon, both accused of funding companies involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Public commenters, including students, voiced their frustrations at the board meeting. They expressed concerns about the impact of the university’s investments on Arab and Muslim students and called for immediate actions towards divestment. In a poignant moment, a senior in arts and humanities, Alissa Hakim, spoke on behalf of a fellow student who was unable to attend due to COVID-19 symptoms, reinforcing the urgent need to address the demands posed by students.

The situation became tenser when police attempted to remove a student speaker from the meeting, which was prevented by Vassar. Associated Students of MSU President Emily Hoyumpa expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s interference, advocating for a more supportive environment for student expression during these discussions.

The list of investments prompting the call for divestment includes direct funding to Israeli aid amounting to $236,114 and $479,006 in weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin. These financial ties have raised questions about the university’s ethical stance, especially amid heightened scrutiny of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Trustee Brianna Scott acknowledged the concerns raised by students, pledging to investigate the financial implications of the university’s investment portfolio and its impact on the student body. Students involved in this push for divestment claim their advocacy represents not just a small faction, but a larger segment of the student population calling for change at an institutional level.

Ultimately, Vassar recognized the courage of the students voicing their opinions, assuring attendees that their perspectives are vital and will be considered in upcoming discussions on the university’s financial decisions.

Background Context

The discussions surrounding MSU’s investments come at a time of heightened global awareness regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Various university campuses nationwide have seen a surge in movements advocating for social justice and ethical investment strategies, which often include calls for divestment from companies that support military actions in conflict zones. The specific focus on MSU reflects both local and national trends in addressing the moral and ethical responsibilities of educational institutions.

Investment Overview

• Investment in BlackRock funds: $218.1 million
• Investment in BNY Mellon: $363.8 million
• Direct investment in Israeli aid: $236,114
• Investment in Lockheed Martin: $479,006

Key Individuals Involved

• Rema Vassar – Board Chair
• Emily Hoyumpa – Associated Students of MSU President
• Brianna Scott – MSU Trustee
• Alissa Hakim – Arts and Humanities Senior

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Pro-Palestinian Activism Disrupts MSU Board Meeting

Additional Resources

• Lansing State Journal: MSU FRIB Scientists Facility Update
• Dignity Memorial: Mark Hostetler Obituary
• The State News: MSU Board Review on Investments
• Wikipedia: Divestment
• Google Search: Michigan State University divestment Israel

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