U of G says the risks associated with encampments are against the organization’s policies

Activist camps on campuses across the United States have led to violent clashes

The University of Guelph is joining the chorus of other universities across the country in stating that activist camps will not be allowed on campus.

It comes after demonstrations on campuses across the United States due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Earlier this week, an encampment was also set up at McGill University in Montreal, prompting warnings at the University of Ottawa and the University of Toronto.

“The risks associated with encampments are against our policy and are therefore not permitted,” U of G media spokesperson Jessamine Luck said in an emailed statement.

Luck noted that the campus is considered private property and those on the property are expected to adhere to school policies.

“The University of Guelph has an steadfast commitment to the principle of freedom of expression and a responsibility to create and maintain spaces for open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas and diverse opinions,” she added.

“We also have a duty to create an environment where everyone can study, work and live without discrimination, harassment or intimidation.”

Luck said no such encampments have been set up locally.

It was not explicitly stated what penalties would be imposed if that changed, such as deportation. Luck said the school’s response would be “guided by our policies.”

According to the school’s freedom of speech policy statement, U of G “reserves the right to restrict speech that it reasonably believes would violate the law, cause security concerns, or disrupt the normal operation of the University.”

There have been some protest activities involving U of G students.

There have been several strikes and last week a meeting of the board of directors was ‘closed’.

According to an Instagram post from the account U of G for Palestine, students have called on the school to “end its unethical investments” in companies that it says are arming Israel and “complicit in the ongoing apartheid and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.” .”

Demonstrations have turned violent in the US, including at UCLA and Columbia University.

Camps have also been set up at a number of universities in British Columbia.

At McGill, an order to stop the protest was rejected by a Quebec judge, although the judge did acknowledge that the encampment is illegal.