Columbia student union drops Israel divestment demand

Student Workers of Columbia, a union representing roughly 3,500 graduate and undergraduate student workers at Columbia University, voted on July 27 to withdraw its demand that the university divest from entities and governments, including Israel, accused of violating international law. The demand, part of a contract article titled 'Obligations Under International Law,' had been a key component of the union's campaign since it endorsed the BDS movement in May 2024. Union president Grant Miner cited the realities of bargaining, saying 'You start off a campaign with one thing, and then as you bargain, you have to face the realities of where you are.' The move follows pressure from the United Auto Workers, the union's parent organization, and comes amid ongoing contract negotiations after the previous agreement expired in 2025. Columbia had alleged the union bargained in bad faith, partly over Miner's presence. The union also softened other demands, including removing police from campus. The withdrawal is seen as a defeat for the pro-Palestinian campus movement, which had made divestment a signature issue. Columbia maintains its dual degree program with Tel Aviv University and plans to open a Tel Aviv center. The United States — Presidency of Donald Trump had previously frozen $400 million in research funding over antisemitism concerns, and Columbia agreed to pay $221 million in penalties.