Oberlin College is once again at a crossroads.
As Oberlin faces renewed calls for divestment, it’s imperative that the Board of Trustees stands firm against antisemitic Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) efforts.
Student activists have submitted a new proposal to the Board of Trustees, urging the college to sever ties with Israeli military contractors and arms manufacturers.
While the proposal claims to be a broad anti-war statement, its underlying goal aligns with the BDS movement, which seeks to isolate and delegitimize the State of Israel.
🚨 ACTION ALERT 🚨
Anti-Israel students at Oberlin College are pushing for the Board of Trustees to consider a new divestment proposal.
Demand that the Board of Trustees refuse to consider any divestment proposals designed to target and isolate Israel: https://t.co/YBifppXar2
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) April 23, 2025
This isn’t the first time that Oberlin has faced such pressure. Last spring, a similar proposal targeting companies associated with Israel was rightly rejected by the Board, which recognized the divisive and antisemitic nature of the BDS campaign.
Now, under the guise of a broader humanitarian stance, the same agenda resurfaces, threatening to undermine the college’s commitment to inclusivity and academic integrity.
Adopting any form of BDS not only alienates Jewish students and faculty but also jeopardizes Oberlin’s adherence to Ohio’s anti-BDS legislation, potentially risking state funding.
Moreover, such action could compromise the college’s financial stability, affecting scholarships and essential programs.
The Board of Trustees must remain steadfast in its previous decision and unequivocally reject this renewed proposal. Oberlin should focus on fostering a campus environment that promotes dialogue, understanding and respect for all communities, rather than succumbing to divisive and discriminatory movements.
Urge the Oberlin College Board of Trustees to uphold its commitment to inclusivity and reject the latest BDS proposal.