1972

Advisory Committee on Shareholder Responsibility (ACSR) is created to advise the Harvard Corporation on ethics in investment.

1973

Beginning April 22, students take over Mass. Hall for six days, calling for divestment from Gulf Oil, which allegedly aided the Portuguese government fighting rebels in Angola.

1978

Student activists form the Southern Africa Solidarity Committee (SASC).

1977

First guidelines to investment in South Africa are established by the University.

1977

In April, 1,500 students block entrances to Mass. Hall after the Corporation decides against divestment in South Africa.

1977

South African Bishop Desmond Tutu receives honorary degree at Commencement.

1985

Tutu returns to Harvard at the invititation of SASC to speak at the IOP.

1986

In the spring, student activists camp out in makeshift shanties in front of University Hall and remain there through Commencement.

1986

Gay W. Seidman '78, a divestment supporter, is elected to the Board of Overseers.

1986

Protesters force the cancellation of the gala dinner in Memorial Hall celebrating the University's 350th anniversary celebration.

1993

Apartheid is abolished in South Africa, restrictions on Harvard investment lifted.