## Common Fund’s Gun Stock Investment Policy
Common Fund is a non-profit investment management firm that manages assets for institutional investors, such as pension funds, endowments, and foundations. The firm has a long history of investing in socially responsible companies, and it has been a vocal advocate for gun control. In 2018, Common Fund announced that it would divest from all companies that manufacture or sell assault weapons.
Common Fund’s decision to divest from gun stocks was based on a number of factors, including the firm’s belief that assault weapons are a public health hazard. The firm also cited the fact that assault weapons are frequently used in mass shootings.
Common Fund’s divestment from gun stocks has been praised by gun control advocates. However, the decision has also been criticized by gun rights advocates, who argue that it is a form of corporate censorship.
### Common Fund’s Divestment Criteria
Common Fund’s divestment criteria for gun stocks are as follows:
* The company manufactures or sells assault weapons.
* The company has a history of marketing assault weapons to civilians.
* The company has a history of lobbying against gun control measures.
### Companies that Common Fund Has Divested From
Common Fund has divested from the following companies:
* American Outdoor Brands (formerly Smith & Wesson)
* Sturm, Ruger & Co.
* Vista Outdoor (formerly Remington)
* Daniel Defense
* Franklin Armory
* Palmetto State Armory
### Impact of Common Fund’s Divestment
Common Fund’s divestment from gun stocks has had a significant impact on the gun industry. The firm’s decision has sent a strong message to gun manufacturers and retailers that there is a growing demand for socially responsible investing.
As a result of Common Fund’s divestment, several other institutional investors have also announced that they will divest from gun stocks. This includes the California State Teachers’ Retirement System, the New York State Common Retirement Fund, and the Church of England Pensions Board.
The divestment movement is putting pressure on gun manufacturers and retailers to change their business practices. In 2019, Dick’s Sporting Goods announced that it would stop selling assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Walmart also announced that it would no longer sell ammunition for assault weapons.
### Arguments for and Against Common Fund’s Divestment
**Arguments for Common Fund’s divestment:**
* Assault weapons are a public health hazard.
* Assault weapons are frequently used in mass shootings.
* Common Fund has a responsibility to invest in socially responsible companies.
**Arguments against Common Fund’s divestment:**
* Common Fund is engaging in corporate censorship.
* Common Fund’s divestment will not have a significant impact on the gun industry.
* Common Fund’s divestment is a political stunt.
### Conclusion
Common Fund’s divestment from gun stocks is a significant step forward for the gun control movement. The firm’s decision has sent a strong message to the gun industry that there is a growing demand for socially responsible investing. As a result of Common Fund’s divestment, several other institutional investors have also announced that they will divest from gun stocks. This is putting pressure on gun manufacturers and retailers to change their business practices.