BC University Issues Trespass Notice to Pro-Palestinian Protesters, Orders Them to Vacate by Deadline
Vancouver Island University has issued a trespass notice to pro-Palestinian protesters, instructing them to leave their encampment on the campus in Nanaimo, B.C., by July 15.
The university stated that the notice was given on July 12, and if the protesters do not vacate by 8 a.m. on July 15, legal action will be taken to remove them.
If the encampment is not dismantled by the deadline, the university will initiate legal proceedings for an injunction against the camp and damages from the protesters.
The university emphasized that the camp, present since May 1, has presented “unprecedented challenges,” prioritizing the safety and peace of all individuals on campus.
This decision follows a court injunction granted against a protest camp at the University of Toronto in Ontario, which prompted protesters to leave, as mentioned in Vancouver Island University’s statement.
Protesters voluntarily left a protest camp at the University of B.C. in Vancouver last week.
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The Canadian Press reached out to the Vancouver Island University protest organizers via email and social media for comments but did not receive an immediate response.
The statement on the Vancouver Island University website mentioned, “VIU had been hopeful the encampment could be resolved through dialogue between the university and student participants.”
However, it was recognized that resolving the encampment through dialogue was no longer feasible.
The university had previously issued a trespass notice on May 2.
The protesters’ actions, including occupations of university buildings and vandalism, have hindered the university’s ability to maintain inclusivity and safety on campus.
Similar protest sites have been set up at universities in Canada and the United States.
Protesters advocating against the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza have been urging universities to sever financial and academic ties with Israeli companies and institutions.
