Boulder Residents Demand Divestment from Microsoft and Caterpillar Amid Gaza Crisis

The Boulder City Council meeting on August 21, 2025, featured passionate public comments regarding the city’s investments in companies linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Residents expressed deep concern over the ethical implications of these investments, particularly in companies like Microsoft and Caterpillar, which they argue contribute to violence and suffering in Gaza.

One speaker highlighted the stark contrast between life in Boulder and the dire situation in Gaza, where children face starvation and violence. They urged the council to consider the moral responsibility of their investments, calling for divestment from companies that support actions leading to human rights violations.

Evan Ravitz, a long-time resident, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the city’s financial gains from these investments contradict its policies against funding companies involved in violence. He pointed out that the city has profited significantly from these stocks, raising ethical questions about the source of this revenue. Ravitz criticized the council for not taking a stronger stance against these investments, suggesting that public sentiment is shifting against the actions of Israel.

The meeting underscored a growing movement among Boulder residents advocating for ethical investment practices, reflecting broader concerns about social responsibility and human rights. The council now faces pressure to address these issues and consider the implications of their financial decisions on the community and beyond.