UCU: Demilitarize and democratize USS and HE sector

Motion

Motion text: HEC notes that:
1. USS and HE institutions have investments in companies profiting from imperialist wars, occupation, borders and environmental destruction
2. USS reform enhanced pensions’ dependence on profitable investment
3. Following Russia’s imperialist invasion of Ukraine, USS has written off £450 million of its equity investments in Russia;
4. Some universities suspended relationships with Russian universities;
HEC believes that:
a. The lack of a coherent divestment policy contributes to escalating the conflict in, and beyond, Ukraine;
b. Targeting Russian universities fails to support anti-war efforts within and beyond Russia.
HEC resolves:
i. To campaign for democratizing USS and HE institutions;
ii. To push USS and HE institutions immediately to divest from arms companies and companies profiting from imperialist wars, occupation, borders and environmental destruction;
iii. To demand a coherent ethical investment and voting framework for USS and the HE sector.