IMPORTANT: UCSA is voting on a divestment resolution tonight at 7:30. Please send this email to the USAC council members to voice your concerns. Here is the link to the agenda: https://docs.google/document/d/1ffTelSpb8dWep4ChAsiTNk_ZcJ0v5uAwGH2DNNsM0BE/edit?pli=1 Subject line: [URGENT]: Regarding UCSA resolution Their emails are: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] usacevp@gmail [email protected] [email protected] lewis.a.luartz@gmail [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] gsavpexternal@gmail [email protected] [email protected] Dear UCSA Board, Today, I was informed that “A resolution in support of divestment from corporations violating Palestinian human rights” is on the agenda for the UCSA meeting this evening. This insertion into the agenda was hasty and lacked transparency. Although the agenda was technically made available within the last week, the resolution and authors were shared only recently. There was no notification regarding the resolution. There was no responsible outreach to the Jewish or pro-Israel communities, both of whom are significantly attached to this sensitive matter. Whenever taking a stance on any matter in the medium of a resolution by a governing body that purports to represent all UC students, it no longer becomes an isolated discussion, but rather one that must include the perspectives of all communities who identify with said issue. It would be irresponsible to continue forward without the consent of such students. Given the hasty, tactless addition to the agenda and failure to notify communities that hold significant stake in this matter, I ask that you table the resolution until such a time that the UCSA can have a more honest and comprehensive discussion regarding the issue. Any resolution passed under such dubious conditions will not be considered to speak on behalf of the entirety of UC students, and such actions will only deteriorate the credibility of UCSA. All UCSA voting members should understand the complexities and nuances regarding the issue, and therefore I expect to have the opportunity to share my thoughts in order for all representatives to gain a more comprehensive context. More importantly, I urge UCSA to focus on the proposed tuition increase as opposed to a geopolitical issue. At a time when it is critical to have the support of all UC students, this resolution will divide the student body and hurt efforts to unite all students regarding a pressing issue directly impacting us all. It is an absolute disservice to students and to your position to divert the attention from a focus on student issues, namely the proposed tuition increase, which needs to be the most critical conversation we are having collectively. Sincerely, Your Name School Year of Graduation
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 01:01:25 +0000