McGill University Ceases Negotiations with Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Occupying Campus

McGill University has announced that it will no longer engage in negotiations with pro-Palestinian protesters who are currently camped out on the downtown Montreal campus.

In a statement released on June 18, President and vice-chancellor Deep Saini stated that the university will be taking disciplinary action against those involved in the encampment.

Mr. Saini expressed that it has become evident that discussions with the protesters are unproductive.

“Despite our sincere attempts to engage in dialogue, the encampment representatives have insisted that their demands are non-negotiable while accusing the University of being uncooperative in fair discussions,” he wrote. “Since it is apparent that no constructive outcome can be reached through these talks, we have decided to cease negotiations.”

A spokesperson for one of the groups involved in the encampment, Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights, stated to the media present at the McGill encampment that the students will not be relocating.

Rama Al Malah referred to the university as an “uncooperative partner” in the negotiation process. She mentioned that the encampment organizers reached out to McGill on June 14 but did not receive a response.

In the university’s statement, Mr. Saini mentioned that McGill is exploring divestment options from companies that profit from the manufacturing of military weapons, regardless of the countries in which they operate.

Additionally, McGill has pledged to establish two scholarships for students impacted by the Middle East crisis within the framework of the Scholars-at-Risk Network.

‘Illegal Occupation’

Mr. Saini condemned the unauthorized encampment as an “illegal occupation of McGill property.”

He highlighted concerning behaviors, including harassment, intimidation, and a circulated photo depicting masked individuals with assault rifles, calling for participation in a revolutionary youth program.

The Canadian Press and Jennifer Cowan contributed to this article.