UBC president says endowment fund doesn't directly own stocks targeted by protesters
The president of the University of British Columbia says its endowment fund doesn't directly own any stocks that are the target of divestment demands by pro-Palestinian protesters who have set up an encampment on the Vancouver campus.
Benoit-Antoine Bacon says the targeted companies are instead part of "pooled funds and managed by external investment managers," making up 0.28 per cent of the endowment fund UBC says is worth about $2.8 billion.
He says in a message posted online that the university would welcome a "respectful and robust discussion" with its students about the investments.
Bacon says the encampment that began at UBC's MacInnes Field on May 29 now involves about 100 people and 75 tents.
He says UBC values peaceful protest but anyone expressing views about the "violence unfolding in Israel and Palestine" needs to be "exceptionally careful" how they convey their thoughts.
The UBC protests are part of a movement that has roiled academic campuses in the United States and Canada, with some, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, calling for the encampments to end.
Protesters say they want UBC to divest from Israeli companies they say are complicit in "oppression and genocide" of Palestinians. They also want an academic boycott of Israeli universities and other institutions.
Bacon says UBC is "actively monitoring the situation" at MacInnes Field and "prioritizing the safety of all our community members and visitors."
"It is absolutely essential that the university remains a place of reasoned debate where conflicting views can peacefully coexist. Our academic and social mission depends on it," he says in Tuesday's statement.
Bacon adds that the university's expectations of the protesters have been "made clear."
"I want to stress again that protest actions must be conducted with respect for others and within the boundaries of UBC policy and the law, and any action that contravenes this will be taken very seriously," he says.
The message tells staff managers they should print it out and display it in a work common area.
There are also encampments at other B.C. institutions including the University of Victoria and Vancouver Island University.
A statement from the University of Victoria on Tuesday says the school supports peaceful demonstrations and the right to freedom of expression.
"We encourage thoughtful, reasoned and academic discourse on current issues and maintain that these discussions must take place in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and hate speech of any kind," the statement says.
On Monday, B.C. Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender called on universities and colleges to protect the rights of students and staff taking part in "peaceful encampments," and said she was worried about people who "speak up in solidarity with Gaza" being penalized.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 7, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Guilty: Trump becomes first former U.S. president convicted of felony crimes
Donald Trump became the first former U.S. president to be convicted of felony crimes Thursday as a New York jury found him guilty of falsifying business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to a porn actor who said the two had sex.
Montreal tech billionaire charged with several sex offences
Robert Miller was charged Thursday with several sexual assault charges after Montreal police reopened an investigation into the tech billionaire.
A pair enjoyed pricey meals and bolted when it was time to pay. Their dine and dash ended in jail
A Welsh couple who dined out on pricey meals and bolted when the bill came is now paying the price, behind bars.
NDP wants Liberals to scrap proposed election date change that could secure pensions for many MPs
The federal New Democrats want to amend the Liberal government's electoral reform legislation to scrap the proposal to push back the vote by a week and consequently secure pensions for dozens of MPs, CTV News has learned.
'I didn't think it was real': Oilers fans score free Game 4 tickets from stranger
There's always something to be happy about when the Edmonton Oilers are making good strides in the playoffs, but this is especially true for two lucky fans who were able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Game 4 — for free.
Aurora borealis returning to night skies across Canada this Friday: NOAA
If you missed the brilliant displays of the aurora borealis over North America on May 10, you may have another chance to see them on Friday night.
Doug Ford suggests immigrants behind Jewish school shooting
Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested immigrants are to blame for the shooting of an empty Jewish school in Toronto over the weekend, despite police saying they have little information on the suspects.
Man stabbed in both legs with a machete in Times Square
A man was stabbed in both legs with a machete at New York's Times Square on Thursday afternoon, police said.
Drive one of these vehicles? You may pay 37 per cent more than average insurance costs due to thefts
As the number of auto theft incidents rises in Canada, so have insurance premiums for drivers, even the ones whose vehicles aren't stolen.