University of New Brunswick President Paul Mazerolle has responded to pro-Palestinian protests and a petition demanding that UNB take actions such as divesting from Israeli companies and ceasing institutional collaborations with Israeli universities. Mazerolle wrote that the university will not comply with these demands, asserting that investments in Israeli companies make up less 0.1% of UNB’s portfolio and arguing that limiting academic partnerships would infringe upon individual academic freedoms and hinder the progression of knowledge. “As a university we must remain focused on our core functions – teaching, research, engagement and service. We are not a political entity and we will refrain from making political statements on this or other matters,” wrote Mazerolle.
