Attorney General Ashley Moody is leading a multistate coalition of state attorneys general in investigating whether MSCI, Inc. is supporting the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. Moody expressed, “Israel is our greatest ally in the middle east, and in Florida, we unequivocally support their right to exist. The BDS movement has one goal, the complete elimination of Israel as a Jewish state. The allegations against MSCI are deeply disturbing and we have called for a quick response from the company’s leadership directly addressing our concerns.”
The probe stems from concerns regarding MSCI's actions similar to those previously raised against Morningstar. In a letter to MSCI, Attorney General Moody and the coalition of attorneys general emphasized their opposition to the BDS movement, especially in light of the recent increase in antisemitism. They highlighted a particularly troubling allegation against MSCI regarding the deduction of ESG points from an Israeli company for its involvement in security and surveillance barriers. Moody and the attorneys general stated, “It is unthinkable to us that MSCI would stand by this position following the terrorist attacks on Israel last October.”
The attorneys general have requested a response from MSCI Chairman and CEO Henry A. Fernandez by April 18. Moody is joined by attorneys general from various states including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia in addressing these concerns.
The full letter and details of the investigation can be accessed through the official sources.