University of Michigan Pauses Gifts and Grants from Boeing Amid Campus Protests
The University of Michigan has announced that it will pause accepting gifts and grants from the Boeing Company amid protests from students and faculty over the company's role in the development of armed drones.
Student Protests
In recent months, students at the University of Michigan have been organizing protests against Boeing's involvement on campus. They argue that the company's development and production of armed drones makes it complicit in the deaths of innocent civilians in war zones.
Students have staged demonstrations, held teach-ins, and petitioned the university to cut ties with Boeing. They have also pointed out that the university's use of Boeing-funded research has the potential to legitimize the company's activities.
University Response
In a statement, the University of Michigan said it understands the concerns raised by students and faculty and that it is committed to addressing them. The university stated that it will pause accepting gifts and grants from Boeing while it reviews its relationship with the company.
The university emphasized that it is not severing ties with Boeing but rather taking a pause to reassess the nature of its partnership. It said it is open to resuming the relationship in the future if it can be done in a way that aligns with the university's values and mission.
Boeing's Response
Boeing issued a statement saying it respects the university's decision and that it is committed to continuing its partnership with the University of Michigan in a productive and responsible manner. The company said it values its relationship with the university and is confident that it can address the concerns raised by students and faculty.
Reaction from Students and Faculty
Student activists welcomed the university's decision. They said it was a significant step towards holding Boeing accountable for its actions and that it would send a clear message that the university will not tolerate complicity in the killing of innocent civilians.
Faculty members also expressed support for the university's decision. They said it showed that the university was listening to the concerns of its community and was committed to ethical research and teaching.
Next Steps
The University of Michigan has not set a timeline for its review of its relationship with Boeing. It said it will engage with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders as part of the process.
Boeing has said it is open to discussing its activities with the university and to finding ways to address the concerns raised.
The outcome of the university's review will be closely watched by other universities and organizations that have relationships with companies involved in the development and production of armed drones.
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