Pro-Palestinian Encampment at University of Toronto Receives Trespass Notice
Protesters must leave the area by 8 a.m. on May 27, the notice says.
The University of Toronto has issued a trespass notice to the ongoing pro-Palestinian encampment on campus that began weeks ago, saying protesters need to leave by May 27.
“Front Campus is University of Toronto private property,” the notice said. “Occupying Front Campus at King’s College Circle has been and remains unauthorized by the University.”
The notice said students must leave the area by 8 a.m. on May 27. If the encampment is not disbanded by that time, the university said it “will be taking all necessary legal steps including seeking an order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.”
Students are advised that they could be suspended and sanctioned if they don’t comply. University staff, including faculty, could also face disciplinary action, the notice said, including being fired.
Students have been encamped at the university since May 2, despite a warning issued by the vice-provost for students, Sandy Welsh, on April 28 that said encampments were considered trespassing.
“The University respects our members’ rights to assemble and protest within the limits of U of T policies and the law,” Ms. Welsh wrote. “Unauthorized activities such as encampments or the occupation of University buildings are considered trespassing. … Any student involved in unauthorized activities or conduct that contravenes University policies or the law may be subject to consequences.”
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The school’s decision follows three weeks of protests and an offer from the university for students to present their concerns to the Business Board of Governing Council on June 19. University of Toronto president Meric Gertler said the administration was willing to review the request of students that the school divert funding from companies and organizations that support Israel.
As part of the offer, Mr. Gertler said the encampment must end. However, students did not accept the offer by the deadline, according to the trespass notice.
University Protests Around Canada
Université du Québec à Montréal has filed for an injunction against protesters who set up an encampment around May 12. It has asked the Quebec Superior Court to prevent protesters from putting up tents and other materials within three meters of campus buildings.
In Alberta, police in both Calgary and Edmonton have dismantled protest encampments on city university grounds.
On May 9, police used tear gas and flash-bang grenades to move a core group of protesters form the University of Calgary campus who would not leave voluntarily. Police said the group used “projectiles and assaultive behavior,” which required force from officers. No injuries were reported.
Two days later, police in Edmonton removed protesters from the University of Alberta campus.
A statement by University of Alberta president Bill Flanagan noted fire hazards and the risk of violence as a reason for police involvement. He said some members of the group had brought in wood pallets, which are considered “barricade-making materials.”
“Overnight protests are often accompanied by serious violence and larger crowds amplify those inherent risks—especially as they attract counter-protestors or outside agitators.”
McGill University has been seeking a court order to dismantle the encampments on its campus, saying it is concerned about the safety and security of its community, as well as noting the school grounds are private property.
While a judge denied the request, the court gave McGill time to modify its request and resubmit.
The Canadian Press and Jennifer Cowan contributed to this article.
