University of Windsor watched after controversial referendum of Global Boycott

University of Windsor

Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, which asks for a boycott of businesses that have ties with Israel

Universities across the continent are said to be watching proceedings at the University of Windsor.

Eyes are on the student government. The university’s student alliance held a controversial referendum on whether to support the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement). The movement asks for a boycott of any business that has ties with Israel.

Monday night, university of Windsor president Alan Wildeman met with members of the student alliance to discuss the issue.

According to Wildeman, universities from as far as away as Los Angeles are watching what happens next.

“A lot of people are very interested in this issue,” Wildeman said. “What’s unique about this situation is that a full student body has run a referendum on a topic such a this and it’s caught the interest of a lot of people.”

Students voted ‘yes’ in favour of the boycott but the results are under investigation. The policy has not been adopted yet.

If it is adopted, the boycott will be the official position of the entire student body, not just of the student council .

Wildeman would only say there is ongoing dialogue between the student government and school administration.

“I trust they will give due reflection with what they have to do,” Wildeman said.

The controversial vote was marred last month by what police called a hate crime. Someone broke into the office of student alliance vice president Jake DeJong and spray painted a support our troops with the Star of David and the word Zionsit.

Third-year law student Dany Theberge has been following the proceedings closely.

“there’s a lot of hostility, tension, words being said; ultimately this movement has polarized students,” he said. “The seriousness of these issues can really be seen by having Dr. Wildeman act so quickly.” (CBC News)