Pro-Palestine protests: Why is a US university pausing grants from Boeing?

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

As the death toll mounts in the war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis worsens, protesters at universities all over the US are demanding that schools cut financial ties to Israel and divest from companies they say are enabling the conflict.

PSU students and supporters staged demonstrations on campus, waving Palestinian flags and holding pro-Palestinian signs. They have issued a list of 13 demands, including the termination of ties with Boeing.

PSU president Ann Cudd said the school acted in response to “the passion with which these demands are being repeatedly expressed” by members of the university community, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.

What is Boeing’s relationship with Israel?

According to information found on the aerospace company’s website, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) presently utilises nine distinct Boeing products. Additionally, Boeing states on its website that its contributions result in a $3.5 billion benefit to the Israeli economy.

The company on its website says its relationship with Israel dates back “more than 75 years — to the founding of the State of Israel”.

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PSU, in its school newspaper, wrote that the students and community members had been wanting to sever ties with Boeing since 2016. They claimed that “Boeing-made bombs have been used to kill civilians” in Gaza.

What is PSU’s relationship with Boeing?

According to Cudd, Boeing donated $150,000 to name a classroom in the Karl Miller Center and provided $28,000 a year for scholarships and emergency funds for students. Cudd also said that PSU has no direct investment in Boeing, but mentioned that an executive from Boeing currently sits on the advisory board for the School of Business, and hundreds of alums from both the School of Business and the Maseeh College of Engineering work for Boeing, the school newspaper PSU Vanguard reported.

Cudd referenced an example of a positive experience a student had with Boeing, explaining how an accounting student was struggling in the program and searching for a pathway to something she was passionate about.  

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

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“Our connection is in the students who apply for internships or who are employed by Boeing,” Cudd said. “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.”

University administration stance on Boeing relationship

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

She emphasised that student engagement with Boeing is voluntary, stating, “We’ve decided 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.”

Student raise voice against Boeing’s global role 

During a recent rally, Cody Urban, a member of the Resist US-Led War Movement, stated, “Right now we’re looking at Palestine, because of this genocidal assault that Boeing planes are being used in. But from Mexico to Palestine to Somalia, this is affecting students across the world.”

Students have consistently articulated how the university’s ties with Boeing directly affect them, the school newspaper reported. Cody Urban, a member of the Resist US-Led War Movement, recounted a recent rally where attendees discussed various impacts. “At this rally, we had someone talk about the US-Mexico border, whose family actually was forced to migrate and nearly risked their lives coming through,” Urban stated.

He highlighted Boeing’s role in funding the border apparatus of the U.S., including surveillance drones and planes utilised by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to transport captured migrants.

Urban further detailed instances where Boeing supplied attack helicopters, bombs, and other military equipment to the Philippine government, contributing to human rights violations.

“Right now we’re looking at Palestine because of this genocidal assault that Boeing planes are being used in,” Urban emphasised. He underscored that the repercussions extend beyond Palestine, affecting individuals from Mexico to Somalia, illustrating the global impact of Boeing’s actions.

In response to concerns raised by students about feeling unsafe due to the university’s connection with Boeing, Cudd dismissed the notion, pointing to Boeing’s provision of scholarships and hardship funds.

She attributed the discomfort to a political disagreement between Boeing and the students rather than a genuine safety concern. “It does seem a little arbitrary to me to choose Boeing, but there you go,” Cudd remarked, indicating her reluctance to reconsider the university’s relationship with the aerospace company.

In response to the outcry, PSU plans 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.

With inputs from agencies