University of Waterloo says it's time to shut down encampment on campus
The University of Waterloo is telling the people at an unauthorized encampment on campus that it’s time to leave.
Despite the warning, however, the tents haven’t been taken down and the message from protestors is clear.
“The encampment is not going away,” promised Nicholas Joseph, speaking on behalf of the Occupy UW group.
The university has formally asked the occupants to leave. In a notice letter, they cited six policy infractions that have occurred since the encampment was set up May 13: alleged trespass violations, installing banners and barricades without permission or inspection, and limiting other’s ability to use the space.
In a statement to CTV News, the school said, in part: “The university has been clear that the encampment located on Grad House Green cannot remain indefinitely. After the encampment ends, and like we did before the encampment started, we will continue to protect community member’s right to protest, assemble, associate, and exercise their rights to freedom of expression.”
“They’ve sent out an advisory or an email to all the students and faculty saying that they’re engaging in a dialog with us. This is absolutely false,” Joseph responded. “We’re here doing a peaceful protest. We have a high degree of organization. It is very safe and we’re not deterred by the university’s threats.”
The encampment was set up in solidarity with other campuses across North America. Together, they are demanding institutions disclose and end their financial relationships with companies that are supporting Israel’s war efforts in Gaza.
On Tuesday, tents also went up on the University of Guelph campus.
Response to on-campus encampments
Institutions have struggled in their efforts to address the protests.
Last week, McGill University announced it will seek a second injunction to remove the pro-Palestinian encampment on campus after a judge dismissed their first attempt.
“Well of course they’re always going to try and intimidate us and threaten us,” Joseph said. “I’m here as a student because I want to learn and pursue my career. But at the same time, I won’t do it at the cost of human rights.”
The formal letter to the protesters is not a legal eviction notice and does not give a specific date as to when they have to leave, but does say: “We require them to end the encampment immediately and to dismantle all structures they’ve erected on the Grad House Green.”
You can read the formal letter issued by the University of Waterloo here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A turbulent campaign nears its finale as Americans choose between Harris and Trump
A presidential campaign marked by upheaval and rancour headed for its Election Day finale on Tuesday, as Americans decided whether to send Donald Trump back to the White House or elevate Kamala Harris to the Oval Office.
Government calls $9M condo purchase an 'operational decision'
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly defends the purchase of a $9 million condo for the Consulate General of New York City at a parliamentary committee, as a necessary investment.
New homeowners find skeleton in attic 15 years after previous occupant disappeared
Homeowners in France have discovered a skeleton in the attic of an outbuilding while undertaking renovation work.
Netanyahu fires Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant, after months of clashes over war and politics
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant after months of clashes over domestic politics and Israel’s war efforts.
Trudeau and Harris? Poilievre and Trump? Here's who Canadians think would work best with: survey
As Americans prepare to elect their next president on Tuesday, new data from the Angus Reid Institute suggests Canadians hold differing views as to which federal party leaders would be best suited to deal with either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.
'Extreme disregard for the safety of others': Lamborghini driver gets prison sentence for 2021 Toronto crash
A mortgage broker who totalled his Lamborghini and left a passenger with life-altering injuries after trying to pass a Toronto streetcar at nearly three times the speed limit has been handed a two-and-a-half year prison sentence.
'I’m not proud of it': Jason Kelce apologizes after video shows him spiking a cellphone after fan used a homophobic slur
Jason Kelce issued an apology during ESPN's 'Monday Night Countdown' after a viral video captured a 'heated moment' between the retired Super Bowl champion and a fan over the weekend.
Prison sentences handed down for sexually abusive London, Ont. parents
In handing down the sentences for two London parents, Justice Thomas Heeney told the court, "The facts of this case were the most egregious that I have encountered during my 26 years on the bench."
Harris and Trump tie in Dixville Notch midnight vote to kick off Election Day
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former U.S. president Donald Trump have tied with three votes each in the tiny New Hampshire township of Dixville Notch, kicking off Election Day in one of the first places in the country to report its presidential preference.