Wealthy benefactor Barry Sternlicht criticizes Brown’s agreement with protesters.

[ad_1]

Billionaire donor Barry Sternlicht criticized Brown University for considering cutting investments tied to Israel, calling it unacceptable and pausing his donations to the school. Sternlicht accused the university of sympathizing with Hamas and labeled student protesters as ignorant. Despite the controversy, Brown reached an agreement to hold a board vote on divesting from Israeli-connected holdings, sparking debate among donors and faculty. Sternlicht’s letter to Brown’s president, Christina H. Paxson, highlighted the tensions surrounding the issue and urged for a focus on facts and moral clarity. The situation reflects a broader trend of universities grappling with divestment from Israel, with other institutions also discussing their investments in response to student activism. However, no concrete measures have been taken yet, and the outcome remains uncertain. Sternlicht’s strong stance underscored the challenges universities face in navigating contentious issues and balancing donor interests with student demands.

[ad_2]