Gaza protesters at University of Victoria say encampment will stay until demands are met
A pro-Palestinian protest camp has formed at the University of Victoria in solidarity with the people of Gaza and with similar encampments that have sprung up on university and college campuses in opposition to the Israel-Hamas war.
A statement from the group says campers are calling on the school to cut academic ties with Israeli universities and divest from companies they say are complicit in the ongoing war.
Approximately three dozen protesters and two dozen tents were inside the university's central quad area Wednesday with campus security on hand but no sign of police intervention.
"We will continue to stand our ground and the encampment will remain indefinitely until the university agrees to our demands and divests from genocide," the statement from the group said.
The protesters are also asking UVic's board of directors to publicly condemn the killing of Palestinians and to create a plan to ensure the safety of Palestinian students and their supporters on campus.
The university did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the campus protest but issued a notice saying the school supports peaceful demonstrations and free expression.
"Out of an abundance of caution, campus security may be monitoring access to buildings near the demonstration and may ask people for information prior to entering these buildings," the school said, noting campus security is working with local police to ensure the protest remains safe.
Vancouver Island University protest
The encampment comes amid a wave of protests at schools across North America as Israel's offensive in Gaza approaches its seventh month with tens of thousands of civilians killed in the fighting.
Vancouver Island University says it has been in contact with the RCMP after a protest camp cropped up at its Nanaimo campus on Wednesday morning.
The Students for Palestine Committee invited all current and former students, staff and community members to join the encampment in opposition to the war.
The university says its code of conduct for students and its expectations for staff "clearly prohibit such behaviours" if they create a safety risk or impede learning and research on campus.
"Hate speech and intolerance have no place at VIU," university spokesperson Jenn McGarrigle said in a statement. "Universities must be safe spaces that support debate where conflicting views can peacefully co-exist."
Premier David Eby addressed a similar encampment Monday at the University of British Columbia, where demonstrators have erected fencing and other barriers around a turf field near the Alma Mater Society building
The premier said all universities "should be a place for people to be able to express themselves," adding that it's "critical that a campus remain safe for students of all backgrounds."
In a statement posted online, Jewish student association Hillel BC instructed its members not to engage with the protests in any way.
The group also said it has asked UBC specifically to take "proactive measures" to prevent disruption to student life on campus.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.