Hearing Dates Scheduled for University of Toronto’s Injunction Bid Against Encampment

The University of Toronto’s request for a court order to clear a pro-Palestinian encampment on its downtown campus is anticipated to be heard in three weeks.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Markus Koehnen has established a schedule that designates June 19 and 20 as the dates for the injunction hearing.

The judge acknowledges in a court document that these dates may not align with the university’s desire to resolve the issue before commencement ceremonies commence in early June, but emphasizes the importance of providing a fair opportunity for the respondents to present their case.

The university is aiming to disband the encampment which was established on May 2, and is seeking court approval for police intervention to remove demonstrators who refuse to vacate the premises.

The university argues that the encampment hinders others from accessing and enjoying campus property, poses risks to health and safety, and has led to numerous reports of harassment, hateful speech, and violence – allegations that protest organizers deny.

The protesters are contesting the injunction request and have declined to leave the site, disregarding a trespass notice issued the previous week.

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In a court filing dated May 29, the judge emphasized the urgency of the university’s injunction request due to the encampment on King’s College Circle, next to Convocation Hall where graduation ceremonies take place.

However, he stated that June 19 and 20 are the earliest possible dates for the injunction hearing to ensure that the respondents have an adequate opportunity to respond to the application.

The university has scheduled convocations from June 3 to 21.

Protesters argue that their presence at King’s College Circle would not disrupt the campus convocations. University president Meric Gertler has affirmed that graduation ceremonies will proceed as planned.

Various groups are seeking intervener status in the injunction hearing and are required to submit their written arguments by the end of Thursday, the judge noted.

Since filing the motion, U of T has presented affidavits from its assistant director of campus safety, students, faculty members, and the broader community regarding their experiences with the encampment.

The university contends that the injunction is imperative to restore the campus as an open, free, and public space for respectful discussions and debates.

Demonstrators have declared that they will remain at the site until the university meets their demands, including disclosing investments in companies benefiting from Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Similar encampments on university campuses have emerged across Canada in recent months, leading several institutions to contemplate or take legal action against the protesters.