HARRISBURG – June 27, 2024 − Senator Haywood releases this updated statement on his vote against SB 1260 that would prohibit the PA State Treasury or Commonwealth pension funds from boycotting or divesting from Israel and companies doing business with Israel. The bill would also withhold state funding from any college or university that boycotts or divests from Israel. Senator Haywood states:
“Pennsylvania prohibited boycotting and divesting to destabilize Israel in 2016, nine years ago. Act 163 of 2016 prohibits any entity from engaging in business with the Commonwealth that is engaged with divesting or boycotting Israel. Now comes SB 1260, which is intended to quell campus protests and the resulting pressure on Israel to end the war. Not only is SB 1260 unnecessary to stop divesting and boycotting, it is also likely to have a chilling effect on free speech on campuses and beyond, even speech that is objectionable.
Since the terrible attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023, Senator Haywood has repeatedly condemned the attacks, antisemitism, and Islamophobia, while calling for the release of hostages, a ceasefire, and full humanitarian aid. To stand with Israel is to press the leaders of Gaza and Israel for a just and lasting peace for all.”
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