Easthampton Council refers divestment resolution to Finance Committee
After hearing testimony from more than two dozen residents, the council opted to study the proposal further before proceeding.
EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton City Council voted to send a divestment resolution to its Finance Committee after more than an hour of public comment at its September 2 meeting. The resolution asks the city to divest from businesses that support Israel and Palestine.
The measure seeks to direct the city treasurer and retirement board to divest from and avoid investing in "companies with a substantial, ongoing, and intentional complicity in violations of international law and human rights in Israel and Palestine." Council President Koni Denham said the Finance Committee review was necessary to examine potential legal issues and ramifications before the full council votes on it.
More than two dozen people testified. About two-thirds supported the resolution, with speakers arguing that residents should use local financial power to support ethical businesses. Those opposed raised concerns about whether divestment resolutions fell within the City Council's proper scope.
Finance Chair Thomas Peake said that although the resolution is nonbinding, it could create "powerful policy" and required further discussion. The resolution is expected to return to the full council for debate and a possible vote after the Finance Committee weighs in.
The action comes over two years after the council passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. According to Easthampton Divest, the organization pushing the measure, it has gathered 475 signatures in support. Jewish Voice for Peace Western MA backs the resolution.
Some speakers noted that Northampton passed a similar resolution and is now facing a lawsuit over it. Denham said she was moved by the testimony on both sides of the debate.