McGill requests 'police assistance' over pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University says it has "requested police assistance" about the pro-Palestinian encampment on its lower field.
"We informed participants that this encampment was not authorized and gave them time to gather their belongings and leave the premises," McGill said Tuesday. "However, most have chosen to remain. As we worked through the steps, we also engaged in dialogue with representatives of McGill students."
The university says it failed to reach a resolution with the student demonstrators and "decided to take the final step in our protocol."
The scene did not appear to be tense Tuesday morning while CTV reporters were on the ground.
"If McGill wants to find solutions to divest, they can. They're not wanting to. They're not having a dialogue right now and if they want to, there's always solutions to be had and I'm sure folks here would be more than happy for McGill to start moving on divestment," said one protester.
In an email addressed to the McGill community Tuesday morning, McGill President Deep Saini called the encampment a "difficult and complex situation.
"Having to resort to police authority is a gut-wrenching decision for any university president. It is, by no means, a decision that I take lightly or quickly. In the present circumstances, however, I judged it necessary," he wrote.
Saini said the school requested police assistance late Monday afternoon.
In its statement, McGill went on to say, "the safety and wellbeing of all our students and staff is our paramount concern."
Lawyer Neil Oberman has filed an injunction on behalf of students, arguing that they need a safe place to study during exams. A judge is expected to decide on the injunction Wednesday.
Michelle Hartman, a McGill professor who teaches Arabic literature at the Institute of Islamic Studies, said she's concerned about any possible police involvement.
"Whenever we involve police, it's a concern. I don't see a lot of escalation, I see a peaceful protest full of people. But why should we even think that we have to be peaceful when there is a horrific genocide unfolding? In fact, the main escalation is threatening to call the police on students. Why would we call the police on students? To me, that's really the escalation. It's not a de-escalation to call the cops on your students, is what I'm saying," she said.
This comes after demonstrators started camping out on the school's grounds last weekend to demand the university divest from funds they claim are connected to Israel.
They say they want McGill to divest from Israeli companies it says are "complicit in the occupation of Palestine."
They say they also want the school to cut academic ties with Israeli institutions and denounce Israel's offensive in Gaza that followed the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. The Israeli offensive has led to more than 34,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the local health ministry.
The encampment in Montreal is one of a wave of similar protests across university campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
B.C. study tracks breaths of killer whales using stunning drone video
The use of drones has helped researchers track the breathing patterns of killer whales off B.C.'s coast, and the videos offer a stunning glimpse of the majestic creatures diving and surfacing.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Duchene scores winner in 2nd OT, Stars reach conference final with 2-1 win over Avs
Matt Duchene scored at 11:42 of the second overtime after being involved in a play that led to a goal disallowed for goaltender interference in the first extra period, and the Dallas Stars advanced to the Western Conference final with a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6 on Friday night.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Jesus is their saviour, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
Hundreds walk backwards in downtown Montreal to symbolize the decline of LGBTQ2S+ rights
On Friday, hundreds gathered and walked backwards in the heart of Montreal to honour the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
Thousands are expected to rally on Washington's National Mall in support of Palestinian rights
Thousands of protesters are expected to turn out for a rally in the American capital Saturday in support of Palestinian rights and an immediate end to Israeli military operations in Gaza.