The New York Times recently reported on Stanford STAND’s efforts to change its university’s investment strategies regarding electronics companies, which may use minerals extracted by armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in various electronics products. Stanford’s progress in this matter is particularly significant, as much of Stanford’s research and funding stems from Silicon Valley technology companies. If Stanford’s Board of Directors approves the guidelines, it will be the first university to revise its proxy voting guidelines in order to account for the potential humanitarian impact of its investments on conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Times article featured a quote from Nina McMurry, STAND’s former National Advocacy Coordinator and an active member of Stanford’s STAND chapter:
“This is a huge humanitarian crisis, and if Stanford can have an impact at all, we should try to,” said Nina McMurry, a senior and a member of Stand, a student organization that raised the conflict minerals issue with the university.
STAND National and the Genocide Intervention Network continue to support the efforts of student activists around the country, particularly on such a crucial issue as the impact of conflict minerals on conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.