UW Condemns Student Vote on Israel Divestment

The University of Wisconsin–Madison administration swiftly rejected a student government resolution calling for divestment from Israel, declaring it violates state law and expressing disappointment with the Associated Students of Madison for passing the measure despite legal warnings.[1][2] The resolution passed 15-5 with three abstentions on Wednesday after nearly four hours of contentious debate that included a walkout by about 30 Jewish students in opposition.[2]

The resolution demands that the UW System divest from "all investments complicit in apartheid and genocide, including Israel's genocide of Gaza," and specifically targets BlackRock, which manages over $1 billion in UW System index funds.[2][3] University attorneys had counseled ASM leadership that the measure conflicted with Wisconsin Statute 20.931, which prohibits state agencies from adopting boycott policies against Israel.[1] However, student government supporters said they obtained independent legal counsel concluding the resolution would not violate the statute.[2]

UW–Madison's administration emphasized that the resolution is non-binding and does not set university policy, noting that the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association—which manages the university's investments—operates separately under Board of Regents policy.[1] The university also announced it is investigating reports that antisemitic language was used in online chats during an earlier March 18 meeting when the resolution was introduced.[1]

For Wisconsin residents, the dispute highlights ongoing tensions on campus over investment ethics and free speech. The Anti-Defamation League warned that while non-binding, such resolutions "risk fueling division on campus" and may make Jewish and Israeli students feel unwelcome.[4] The university's swift rejection signals it will not pursue divestment, but the underlying debate over campus investment policies and Middle East politics shows no signs of resolution.