ORONO — University of Maine students are asking the school system’s board of trustees to reverse its decision not to pursue divestment from Israel.

Following a pro-Palestinian protest at UMaine on Friday, a group of students spoke out at the trustees’ board meeting Monday — once again asking the board to financially divest from Israeli companies, and any U.S. companies doing business with Israel.

“This issue is, by your own charter, is your responsibility, and previous divestment movements give precedent to act. This board has a history in taking a brave stance in accepting divestment, like in 1982 and recently regarding fossil fuels,” said Devon Ingleson, UMaine student and secretary for UMaine Jewish Voice for Peace. “This is your opportunity to continue that legacy and to prove you are deserving of the power and the responsibility that the students, faculty, and the people of Maine entrusted onto you.”

The board has already responded to the students’ demands in a letter — stating it is not their role to take a position on foreign policy.  

However, during the meeting, board chair Trish Riley said the board is reviewing a proposal to change the university’s free speech policy to better reflect the rights of students and staff.

“We will be reviewing our free speech policy changes in this meeting that were designed very much to protect the free speech of our students and our faculty, and we appreciate the guidance and the review by Jewish Voice for Peace on that new policy proposal.”

Some students present said they disagreed with the board’s decision regarding divestment but thanked them for their commitment to free speech.

“I wanted to start off by saying thank you all for your commitment to free speech and assembly,” said Talia Cullum, president of UMaine Jewish Voice for Peace.as mentioned previously, at Columbia an international student was arrested by ICE, so this freedom is becoming incredibly important as time goes on.”