March 31, 2015
Dear Members of the Loyola Community, It is a humbling privilege to have such a significant voice in this discussion regarding the recent divestment measure. I will be frank - going into this decision, I expected tension within the student body. I expected tension within the media. But I have only witnessed it within our own university’s administration. Up until yesterday, the only messages I received were from concerned administrators. Over the past seven days, I have taken the time to meet with the original authors of the bill and those that oppose the measure and both student groups have been more than supportive understanding that my decision has an impact that can only go so far. Regardless of what various university administrators favor, I proudly serve as Student Body President, a title in which I first and foremost serve the interests of the students and the democratic process that we have established as a community. In an email sent out earlier today, the university President endorsed a ‘Community of Dialogue.’ It goes without saying that dialogue can take its form in many different ways and I believe that passed legislation can surely be an effective one. The university has stated that it is not ready to divest today. That is fine – this resolution calls for divestment by 2025, encouraging continuous discussion and dialogue at least for the next ten academic years. Rhetoric aside, in no way is this measure anti-Semitic. To critique a university’s private investments and a popular political ideology is not the same as endorsing religious persecution. The fact of the matter is that all three of these Abrahamic religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, truly do promote peace and hold a precious value for life. Even if that sentiment sounds obvious, the climate around this bill makes it worth repeating once more. Almost a year ago to date, this resolution was vetoed. Students were not content then and will most likely not be content at the conclusion of this term either, but it is my belief that this is a step in the right direction. As of today, we as students at Loyola University Chicago must come to face the reality that the university will not divest from these four, listed, private corporations anytime soon. But, with this measure that has now passed three times, the university must now face the reality that this is what the students want and what they believe is best. Having sincerely discerned all of this, I am proud to endorse this measure. In Maroon & Gold,
Flavio G. Bravo President, Student Government of Loyola Chicago