From the president of DePaul University today on a proposal to boycott Sabra Hummus:
To the University Community,
As you are aware, DePaul agreed last winter to study whether to boycott a food product on our shelves, stemming from concerns raised about a parent company’s alleged support of forces involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As is customary, the Fair Business Practices Committee (FBPC) was asked to study the issue and make a recommendation. The FBPC consists of faculty, staff and student representatives and has met throughout the past six months among themselves and with proponents of both sides of the debate.
I am attaching the executive summary of their analysis and their recommendation: https://wd.is.depaul.edu/FileAccess/uec/1107439601/FBPC_Sabra_Executive_Summary.doc /
The document concludes with the following sentence:
“While we recognize the original complaint made by DePaul students arose from genuine concerns surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in the judgment of the Fair Business Practices Committee there do not appear to be sufficient grounds for a boycott of Sabra Hummus, primarily because the Committee did not find evidence that the Strauss Group provides direct military support for units within the Israeli Defense Forces.”
I encourage you to read the entire three-page statement. Their recommendation has been accepted and the product will remain on our shelves.
I am well aware that these concerns were raised with good faith and honorable intentions. I’m proud of all our students at DePaul, and very glad that they would fight on behalf of justice as they see and understand the issues at hand. At a university, we approach such issues with study and deliberation, and then make an informed decision. I am grateful to all those who participated in this process. I ask that we continue to seek ways to support a lasting peace in this troubled and important part of the world.
Respectfully,
Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M.
President
