CUNY Activists Triumph in Court Over Investment Transparency

Student activists at the City University of New York (CUNY) achieved a significant legal victory on August 20, 2024, when the Supreme Court of New York ruled that the university must disclose its financial investments. This ruling specifically requires CUNY to reveal contracts with companies associated with the ongoing violence in Gaza, including major corporations such as Boeing, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Northrup Grumman.

The case originated from a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request filed by Sarah Southey, a first-year law student at CUNY, in March 2024. This request came amid heightened activism on college campuses regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and was part of a broader demand for transparency regarding university investments in companies that support the Israeli occupation of Palestine. In response to CUNY’s rejection of the FOIL request in May 2024, Southey, with the support of the New York Civil Liberties Union, initiated legal action in November 2024.

In the preliminary statement of the case, it was noted that Southey sought these records to bolster student advocacy for CUNY’s divestment from companies implicated in military actions in Gaza. The ruling not only represents a victory for the pro-Palestine student movement but also underscores the potential of legal avenues to support activism on college campuses.

Following the decision, Southey expressed her determination, stating, “This was just one aspect of the campaign, but now that we have one disclosure, it is a massive win. We can demand that they divest from specific companies.” The ruling has invigorated activists, who now see an opportunity to apply pressure on CUNY to reassess its financial relationships.

The ruling has sparked hope among students, particularly in light of recent crackdowns on pro-Palestine activism at CUNY. In the past year, numerous student activists faced felony charges following protests, and faculty members were arrested during demonstrations at a Board of Trustees meeting. The court’s decision is seen as a reaffirmation of students’ rights to free speech and expression amidst escalating repression.

Additionally, the decision may have broader implications for financial transparency at other universities. While institutions such as Brown University and Northwestern University have committed to disclosing their investments, many universities remain resistant to student demands for transparency regarding their financial ties to Israel. Veronica Salama, a lawyer with the New York Civil Liberties Union, emphasized the importance of this ruling, stating, “This will certainly help students at public universities and public colleges across New York state.”

The activists at CUNY celebrated their victory with a press conference on August 27, 2024, where they reiterated their commitment to advocating for Palestinian liberation. They modified their protest chants to reflect their ongoing campaign for divestment, signaling their determination to push forward.

As CUNY evaluates its next steps, including potential appeals, the university has acknowledged the ruling but has not specified when the requested records will be released. In a statement, a CUNY spokesperson noted, “The University is reviewing the court’s decision, its legal options and possible next steps.”

While the ruling primarily affects public universities, it serves as a reminder of the power of student activism and the potential for legal mechanisms to support social justice movements. As the momentum builds, activists like Southey are resolute in their mission, stating, “We’re going to use this energy to propel us forward…to get CUNY’s money out of these companies that are profiting off this genocide.”

This landmark decision not only marks a pivotal moment for the CUNY student body, but it also highlights the crucial intersection of education, activism, and legal rights in the pursuit of social change.