The Associated Students of Michigan State University held their general assembly meeting Thursday, where they debated whether to vote on a bill that would reaffirm support for divestment.
The bill's introducer, Muslim Student Association Rep. Amaan Abdul Mohi, said the bill was urgent due to Israel's recent ground invasion into Lebanon. But the bill ultimately did not make it on the agenda.
Mohi opened the conversation when he motioned to suspend the rules to add the bill to the agenda. He said due to the urgency of the bill he would like to discuss it immediately.
This bill would advocate for ASMSU to release a statement reaffirming support for divestment from war, genocide and apartheid, Mohi said.
The proposed bill echoed activists' calls for MSU to divest from Israel and other entities funding the nation since the war began last year. They have focused on a $236,114 bond listed in the university’s 2023 investments as "Israel aid" which they say funds Israel’s war on Gaza.
Jewish Student Union Rep. Zach Nessel opposed suspending the rules. He said statements should go through the regular process rather than being added to agenda at the beginning of GA.
Mohi restated his desire to treat the bill with urgency, citing the escalating actions from Israel and Lebanon, with the MSA, Arab Cultural Society and Hurriya Coalition all writing statements in support of this bill, Mohi said.
The GA held a roll call vote to decide whether to suspend the rules to add the bill, or have the agenda proceed as written. The motion failed to receive the required two-thirds majority, with 12 voting to suspend, one against and six abstaining.
During the Office of the President's updates, Vice President of Academic Affairs Ahmed Amir spoke briefly about the one year anniversary of the war in Gaza.
"I want to recognize that this week has been difficult for a lot of students, especially for the Arab and Muslim communities on campus," he said. "As we mark one year of genocide in Gaza, with estimates of close to 200,000 martyrs, the ground invasion of Lebanon displacing millions and killing thousands, and the escalating violence across the Middle East, I want to reaffirm my support and dedication to advocating for my communities."
After the meeting's adjournment, Mohi read a brief statement to the GA, expressing disappointment in them for not supporting the bill's introduction. He also read the full bill aloud.
The bill referenced two others passed by ASMSU in their 60th session which called for divestment and support of Palestinian students. Bill 60-65 advocated for the Board of Trustees to divest from weapons manufacturers alongside other "entities complicit in genocide." Bill 60-30 advocated for ASMSU and the university to address the ongoing Palestinian crisis and affirm support for Palestinian students.
"MENA, Arab and Muslim students at MSU have close connections to these countries, having family and friends who have been displaced, injured or martyred by the State of Israel," Mohi said.
The end of the proposed bill said ASMSU would continue to advocate for divestment during meetings such as those for the Board of Trustees, academic governance and with administration.
"Therefore, be it further resolved the Associated Students of Michigan State University shall call on the university to release a statement acknowledging the ongoing genocide in Gaza, escalating violence in the West Bank, invasion of Lebanon and other crimes of the State of Israel, and provide resources and accommodation for MENA, Arab and Muslim students who are directly impacted," Mohi said while reading the bill.
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