Brown Trustee Resigns Over Divestment Vote, Citing Attacks

Joseph Edelman, a trustee at Brown University and CEO of Perceptive Advisors, has resigned over the school's decision to hold a vote on divesting from companies linked to Israel. Edelman condemned the vote as 'morally reprehensible,' especially in light of the recent October 7 attacks on Israel, and accused the university of capitulating to student activists promoting antisemitism and the destruction of Israel. Brown's decision to hold the divestment vote came after an agreement with pro-Palestinian student activists to dismantle their protest encampment. University officials defended the vote, claiming Edelman misunderstood the circumstances leading to it. Critics, including local Jewish leaders, argue that the university's actions could incentivize further radical protests and antisemitic harassment. The vote represents a significant shift as it aligns with the goals of the controversial BDS movement, which targets Israel exclusively.