Student Concerns Network

The Student Concerns Network advocated that the College of Wooster divest from companies operating in South Africa. In 1982, the Board of Trustees had adopted a policy of divesting only from companies that do not abide by the Sullivan Principles. There were various discussions and debates concerning that policy and other alternatives. The Network argued that the Trustees’ investment policy regarding South Africa did not adhere to the “Scot’s Key” statement that “it is the goal of the College to eliminate all manifestations of racism from the campus.” In the spring of 1985, at the instigation of the Student Concerns Network, the Campus Council passed a resolution favoring divestment from 17 U.S. companies in South Africa. The following fall, the Network organized a petition and letter-writing effort in support of the Campus Council’s pro-divestment position. In February 1986, South African editor Donald Woods spoke at Wooster in support of divestment. In October, 1986, the Board of Trustees voted to divest its holdings over three years unless companies withdraw from South Africa in that time of can demonstrate that their presence will be beneficial to abolishing apartheid. (Source: Articles in The College of Wooster Voice, the student newspaper.)