Explained: Why A US University Pausing Grants From Boeing Amid Pro-Palestine Protests?

In response to mounting pressure from concerned students and faculty over Boeing's involvement in weapons manufacturing and its connections to Israel amidst the conflict in Gaza, Portland State University (PSU) has announced a temporary suspension of seeking or accepting further gifts or grants from Boeing Co.

Protesters at universities across the US, including PSU students and supporters, have been demonstrating on campus, advocating for schools to cut financial ties to Israel and divest from companies involved in the conflict.

PSU students specifically staged demonstrations, waving Palestinian flags and holding pro-Palestinian signs, while issuing a list of 13 demands, including the termination of ties with Boeing, as reported by First Post. PSU president Ann Cudd stated that the university's action was prompted by "the passion with which these demands are being repeatedly expressed" by members of the university community, as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting.

What is Boeing's relationship with Israel?

According to information found on the aerospace company's website, nine distinct Boeing products are currently utilized by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Additionally, it is stated on Boeing's website that its contributions result in a $3.5 billion benefit to the Israeli economy.

It is noted on the company's website that its relationship with Israel dates back "more than 75 years - to the founding of the State of Israel". In PSU's school newspaper, it was written that the desire to sever ties with Boeing has been expressed by students and community members since 2016. It was claimed that "Boeing-made bombs have been used to kill civilians" in Gaza, as reported by First Post.

What is PSU's relationship with Boeing?

According to Cudd, Boeing donated $150,000 to name a classroom in the Karl Miller Center, and $28,000 a year is provided for scholarships and emergency funds for students. The school newspaper PSU Vanguard stated that PSU has no direct investment in Boeing. Still, it was mentioned that an executive from Boeing currently sits on the advisory board for the School of Business.

Hundreds of alumni from both the Schools of Business and the Maseeh College of Engineering are employed by Boeing. An example of a positive experience a student had with Boeing was referenced by Cudd, explaining how an accounting student was struggling in the program and searching for a pathway to something she was passionate about, as reported by First Post.

She elaborated that this particular student had no prior knowledge of Boeing before attending the career fair. However, following her application and successful acquisition of an internship, she attributed her remarkable experience as a student to shaping her career trajectory and providing a solid foundation for extensive learning opportunities.

Boeing's efforts in breaking down barriers for students who may face challenges in accepting internships beyond Portland's confines were highlighted by Cudd. These efforts include covering relocation and housing expenses during the internship period.

"Our connection is in the students who apply for internships or who are employed by Boeing," was stated by Cudd. "So it is all very voluntary on the part of any student who accepts an internship, a scholarship or employment from Boeing. We've also heard from some alumni [who now] work at Boeing and... had internships while they were students at PSU. The feedback from them is just resoundingly positive, from those students who've benefited from this connection," as reported by First Post.

University administration stance on Boeing's relationship

PSU's relationship with Boeing was defended by Cudd, asserting that it aligns with the institution's educational objectives and does not contravene any university policies.

It was emphasized that student engagement with Boeing is voluntary, stating, "The decision has been made that-despite the fact that some students would prefer us not to do business with Boeing-we will continue to accept their support of our students, and any student is, of course, free to not accept that support, if they want," as per media reports.

Students raise voices against Boeing's global role

• During a recent rally, statements were made by Cody Urban, a member of the Resist US-Led War Movement, highlighting the use of Boeing planes in a genocidal assault in Palestine, with broader impacts felt from Mexico to Somalia due to Boeing's actions.
• Concerns have been consistently articulated by students about how the university's ties with Boeing directly affect them, as reported by the school newspaper. Urban recounted discussions at the rally where impacts were discussed, including stories about forced migration and risks taken by families at the US-Mexico border, as per media report.
• Boeing's role in funding the US border apparatus, including surveillance drones and planes utilized by ICE for transporting captured migrants, was emphasized by Urban.
• Instances were detailed by Urban where Boeing supplied attack helicopters, bombs, and other military equipment to the Philippine government, contributing to human rights violations.
• The discomfort raised by students about feeling unsafe due to the university's connection with Boeing was dismissed by Cudd, attributing it to a political disagreement rather than a genuine safety concern. Cudd remarked on the arbitrariness of choosing Boeing, indicating a reluctance to reconsider the university's relationship with the aerospace company.
• In response to the outcry, plans have been made by PSU to host a moderated forum next month to facilitate discussions between students and faculty on the matter. Cudd has committed to participating in the forum, indicating the university's willingness to engage in open dialogue and consider the concerns raised by the community.