Palmer added that he believes that as nation-wide opposition to the war will likely increase, a more forceful call for divestment may have the chance to be realized.

“There may be moments in this war where groundwork words towards a divestment petition may have more support,” he said.

Professor the History of Science Everett I. Mendelsohn said that although he did not attend the meeting, he also believes an emphasis on discussion is the best way to proceed.

“At times when an issue arises which affects all of us, there is real reason for everyone in the community to be heard,” he said.

Today will mark the beginning of the discussion, when Faculty debate the issue openly on the floor of their University Hall meeting room.

And Bois said he hopes all sides will be able to do so freely.

“We should discuss it rather than saying it is impossible,” Bois said. “It is important not to be intimidated into complacency—that is what drove us to be cautious.”

—Staff writer Jessica E. Vascellaro can be reached at vascell@fas.harvard.edu.