Student Senate elections are coming up Tuesday, and accompanying the ballot is Senate Bill 2526-11, a question for all Ohio University students regarding the university’s investments and Israel bonds.
The bill was introduced at the March 18 Student Senate meeting and states that the university, if the students vote in favor of the bill, should disclose all investments and terminate their investment in Israel bonds.
All students will receive the ballots in their OU inbox March 31. They will be able to vote on the bill, as well as the newest members of the Student Senate.
The referendum includes two parts: “Shall Ohio University publish all investments online on the Ohio University Foundation webpage, accessible within three clicks of the front page of the Ohio University website, directly after the Ohio University Foundation Board meetings or at least annually, and keep these investments accessible online indefinitely?” and “Shall Ohio University commit to end all direct and indirect investments in Israel Bonds through the Ohio University Foundation until Israel Bonds are rated in one of the two highest categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations?”
President Dan Gordillo said per Senate law, one proposed referendum receives one bill number and one question. The question on the ballot, while containing two parts, is only one question.
The bill states there is evidence that OU has money invested in Israel Bonds through mutual funds, according to the 2022 endowment investments.
Gordillo said students need to take their time and vote thoughtfully as they will be voting in favor or against two items in one answer.
Lily Bishilany, a senior majoring in English and women’s studies, is the Minority Affairs Commissioner for Student Senate and one of the primary sponsors of the bill. She said if she could tell students anything about the bill, it is that the bill is asking students how they feel.
“If you feel that Ohio University should be open with their investments, if you feel that Ohio University should divest from certain organizations that may not align with what the student body wishes at the moment,” Bishilany said. “Take time to read the survey, take time to read over the bill.”
