Memorandum addressed to Michigan State University (MSU) Board of Trustees by Bill Derman, Associate Professor of Anthropology and African Studies, in June 1978. Derman argues that multinational corporations do more to support the racial system of injustice in South Africa by remaining than by withdrawing. He says the fundamental issues are: 1) whether U.S.-based multinationals can weaken the system of racial oppression through their operations and investment in South Africa; and 2) whether MSU should benefit financially from such multinational operations. He answers both these questions in the negative, saying universities should not benefit from a system of explicit racism. Derman challenges...
Memorandum addressed to Michigan State University (MSU) Board of Trustees by Bill Derman, Associate Professor of Anthropology and African Studies, in June 1978. Derman argues that multinational corporations do more to support the racial system of injustice in South Africa by remaining than by withdrawing. He says the fundamental issues are: 1) whether U.S.-based multinationals can weaken the system of racial oppression through their operations and investment in South Africa; and 2) whether MSU should benefit financially from such multinational operations. He answers both these questions in the negative, saying universities should not benefit from a system of explicit racism. Derman challenges statements by faculty member Leon Weaver, saying they put forward the well-worn and oft-refuted contention that U.S. and other foreign multinationals will act to end or diminish apartheid in South Africa. The memorandum discusses the Sullivan principles and Reverend Sullivan, Timothy Smith of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, Citibank, IBM, Mobil, Union Carbide, Caltex, bantustans, Steven Biko, Chief Albert Luthuli, the Christian Institute of South Africa, and the World Council of Churches. Derman concludes by favoring a resolution by the MSU Board of Trustees to divest from corporations that do not withdraw from South Africa.
