CORRECTION APPENDED

Gov. Deval L. Patrick ’78 signed into law a bill divesting state pension funds from certain companies that do business with the Sudanese government, which has been accused of backing the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.

Last Friday’s move adds Massachusetts to the list of 20 other states that have adopted policies of divestment from Sudan, according to the Sudan Divestment Task Force Web site.

Patrick, who had worked in the Darfur region following his graduation from Harvard in 1978, expressed the state’s desire to take a stand against the grave injustices being committed in Sudan.

“We want to send a clear signal that we, like so many people around the world, expect swift action to end the suffering of the Sudanese people,” Patrick said, according to a statement released by his office. “The Sudanese government must take a strong stand against the genocide in their country, and bring real relief and progress to the people of the region.”

Adam Coffin, a research analyst for Rep. Jay Kaufman (D-Arlington), said the bill met with little opposition, despite the fact that states lack jurisdiction over foreign policy. It was passed by both houses of the state legislature, with considerable support from community activists and key legislators, Coffin said.

The legislation requires the state’s Pension Reserves and Investment Management Board (PRIM) to hire a third party that will investigate company business activities pertaining to the genocide in Darfur.

Companies that provide services, financial support, or military aid to the Sudanese government; generate at least 10 percent of their income from Sudanese oil or mining; or are determined to be complicit in the genocide can expect to lose all state investments within one year, according to the press release from the governor’s office.

The news was received warmly by the Harvard Darfur Action Group (HDAG).

“It’s uplifting to think we might make a difference,” HDAG Treasurer Firth M. McEachern ’08 wrote in an e-mail about the group’s activism.

HDAG Publicity Chair Joanna I. Naples-Mitchell ’10 hailed the legislation as “wonderful news.”

“The bill adds momentum to the national movement to prevent U.S. complicity in genocide, and puts pressure on Sudan,” she said.

In addition to setting a precedent for national divestment, the bill may stand as an example for the University.

As of April, Harvard has divested its direct holdings in two Chinese oil companies with ties to Sudan—Petrochina and Sinopec—but still maintains holdings in companies such as Petronas and Schlumberger that have been accused of links to the genocide. [SEE CORRECTION BELOW]

“We hope Harvard will look to the governor of Massachusetts in making targeted divestments,” Naples-Mitchell said.

CORRECTION

The Nov. 8 news article "Patrick Signs Divestment Bill" incorrectly implied that Harvard maintains direct holdings in oil company Petronas. In fact, the University's holdings in Petronas are indirect. In addition, the story misrepresented Petronas and oil firm Schlumberger's ties to Sudan. The companies are accused of financing the genocide by continuing to conduct business with the Sudanese government.