BDS is a global movement launched in 2005 by Palestinian civil society, inspired by South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. It is a non-violent campaign applying economic and political pressure to encourage compliance with international human rights law through:
- Boycott – Avoiding products, companies, and institutions complicit in violations.
- Divestment – Urging organisations to withdraw financial investments.
- Sanctions – Calling for diplomatic or trade restrictions.
BDS targets institutions and businesses, not individuals. OUSA’s posture on BDS is not a stance on the broader conflict, nor does it target Israeli or Jewish students. OUSA is, and always will be, for all students. This position reflects OUSA’s commitment to ethical operations and student concerns.
Currently, OUSA does not engage with primary BDS targets, ensuring student funds are not spent in ways that contradict the movement’s principles. This does not dictate individual spending—no one’s taking your Domino’s—it simply ensures OUSA aligns with student values.
The Exec has discussed BDS (as Critic has covered) and recognises that OUSA’s long-term commitment to the BDS position is a discussion for the entire student body. Until then, OUSA maintains its current posture and remains committed to transparency.
We encourage respectful and informed discussions about what students want from their association and what BDS means to them. There’s a good chance that there will be hard conversations around this issue – that’s just the nature of the issue. What will not be tolerated, regardless of your opinion, is people being intentionally intolerant and disrespectful to their fellow students.
As conversations continue, students are welcome to engage, ask questions, and contribute to shaping OUSA’s ethical responsibilities. In turn, we at OUSA want to make sure that all students are well informed, well educated but more importantly, well and truly a part of the decision-making process.
Jett Groshinski
OUSA Political Representative