Council Urges University to Cut Ties to Irresponsible Businesses

There were echoes of the Undergraduate Council's progressive past as well as predictions for a less political future at last night's meeting.

But for all the pleas from council leaders calling for a renewed focus on student services, the council still passed--by a single vote--a divestment bill, encouraging the University to sever ties with companies with a history of human rights and environmental violations.

The legislation specifically cites companies such as Exxon, Chevron and Mobil.

The 90-minute debate took place in Boylston Hall's cafe, after the council found its regular meeting room occupied by a Harvard Extension School class. The bill's sponsors said Harvard should send a message to these corporations while opponents of the bill voiced their doubts that divestment would be effective.

"Harvard invests over $100 million in these corporations... it's a strong, clear message. It's worked before, and it can work here," said Shai M. Sachs '01, a co-sponsor of the bill.

Sachs, who is also a Crimson editor, cited successful divestment campaigns that resulted in Pepsi-Co and Texaco in ceasing operations in Burma.

Shauna L. Shames '01, another co-sponsor of the bill, said the legislation fulfills the call issued by Council President Noah Z. Seton '00 to increase the council's focus on student services.

"There's a very clear connection here to student services," she said. "This is not some symbolic gesture. This is not some random progressive cause."

Shana M. Starobin '00 said she attended the meeting as part of a larger group supporting the bill, although the group's members do not serve on the council. She said the student body is in favor of the issue.

"Eight hundred students signed on to this," she said, referring to a campus petition encouraging divestment.

But some council members argued that divestment would be unsuccessful in changing the companies' ways.

"If we divest, someone else is just going to step right in [and buy the shares]. I don't think we're really going to make much of an impact," said Robert J. Baror '00-'01.

"I don't think there's legitimate proof that divestment works," said Brian R. Smith '02, who co-sponsored an amendment which instead encouraged the University to take a stand as shareholders and proposed a task force to look further into the issue.

Amendment co-sponsor Baror agreed.

"We can use our democratic voice within the companies as shareholders. I think this has a far better chance of success," he said.

Bradley L. Davis '01, chair of the council's finance committee, warned the council of the possible economic effect of such a large divestment.

"None of these things happen in a vacuum," he said. "Don't pretend divestment will have no effect whatsoever on Harvard's endowment."

Despite Davis's objections and two quorum calls, the legislation was successful.

In his opening remarks to the council, Seton emphasized a stronger focus on more practical issues.

"Kamil and I ran for office on a platform of an expanded vision of student services," Seton said.

"We would not be restricted to fly-by and fro-yo--rather, we'd help the council address the major needs of the student body, while keeping in mind a focus on on-campus issues," he added. "There is nothing I can do as president to stop activist bills from coming to council."

Council Vice President Kamil E. Redmond '00 said after the meeting that she originally intended to speak more strongly about the importance of progressive legislation in the council. But her remarks to the council last night encouraged more of a balance between the warring camps.

"We are here to serve students... When we ran, I had a larger view of what student services are," Redmond said, explaining that student services can include both better health services and Faculty diversity.

But she said in addition to political bills, campus issues deserve more of the council's time.

"I think we really need to start working on advising. We need to start working on student services," she said

"This is ridiculous that we had to trudge around to find a room tonight," she added. "We should all go out there and really push for a student center."

In other council business, Springfest allocations for security, food and a shuttle bus to the Quad were approved almost unanimously. Rachel E. Barber '99, who opposed the bill, questioned how much council money would go towards the event.

"I represent the 4,500 undergraduates who will not attend Springfest," she said as she voted.

Finally, Stephen N. Smith '02 announced the upcoming softball game against The Crimson. Smith and Seton encouraged members to join the team.

"We're going to have to beat them by a lot," said Seton, appearing slightly unsure about the council's chances.

"Yeah, but they're the one's writing the article [about the outcome of the game]," responded a representative.