Based on the results of Wednesday’s referendum, students at the University of Waterloo don’t think their school should sever its ties with five educational institutions in Israel.

A total of 2,329 students voted no to a proposal recommending that action, while 1,803 voted in favour.

Eight-four ballots were declined.

More than 4,000 students had signed a petition in favour of holding a referendum ong Waterloo’s relationships with the five Israeli schools.

Students in favour of maintaining the relationships said that ending them could harm the future of the university, while those opposed argued that it was necessary due to Israel’s alleged violations of Palestinian human rights.

A ‘yes’ majority in the referendum would not have meant that the school would have to end those relationships – only that the idea would have to be considered by the university’s board.