Resolution co-sponsor and Student Affairs Committee chair Marco B. Simons '97 said he agreed, adding that the council itself has a mandate to become involved with University investment policy.

"Our mandate allows us jurisdiction over University policies, and investment is included in this," he said.

Some council members said they were concerned that to divest from Nigeria would send the wrong message to Shell Oil.

Instead of appearing to wash their hands of the human rights abuses in Nigeria, the University should retain its shares in Shell and use them to vote as "conscientious shareholders," said Jeremy R. Jenkins '97-'98.

Jenkins introduced an amendment to this effect, which failed by a vote of 29-27.

After the resolution's passage, both Simons and Freeman expressed approval and satisfaction with the resolution's success.

"This puts the U.C. on a new path to look at Harvard in its role as a member of the international community," Freeman said.

Simons added that, "this is the first time we've ever considered something greater than ourselves."

In other business, the council voted to sponsor a free comedy show at a time to be announced. It also voted to request positions for council members on student-faculty committees.

A resolution proposing to bring the rock group "Gin Blossoms" to campus this spring for a concert was tabled because of financial concerns facing the council