‘This is the student intifada’: Canadian students set up Palestinian solidarity encampments across the country

 

University of Toronto students told they could stay if they remain ‘peaceful’

Despite a 10 p.m. deadline Thursday, University of Toronto students remained in their encampment through the night, peacefully demonstrating and demanding that the administration disclose all investments and completely divest from Israel. 

As of Sunday morning, the encampment remained standing.

“I have a lot of energy, optimism and hope, which I know are things that are hard to come by, but it is moments like this that make me feel hopeful and optimistic because there are 150 students here who are willing to risk arrest, willing to risk suspension to stand up for what is right,” said Erin, a student and organizer with the group OccupyUofT. 

The King’s College Circle encampment was set up in the early morning hours on Thursday. Student activists, staff and alum with banners, signs, and Palestinian flags knocked down the fencing and put up dozens of tents. 

An “entry point” on the south side of the encampment was established and for most of the day, visitors passed freely in and out of camp. U of T students are facing the unique issue of dealing with this pre-established perimeter around the lawn, which was put up by the administration just days before. At some U.S. encampments, students have been able to establish a perimeter, such as at UCLA, where demonstrators used plywood and other materials to create walls.

As the Thursday deadline drew closer, the administration informed demonstrators that although the university “respects [its] members’ rights to assemble and protest.” Demonstrators were told that they must clear their encampment or they would be removed, because “protesting will not be allowed after 10 p.m.” 

Immediately, encampment organizers began soliciting support on social media and through their personal networks from progressive communities and groups, many of whom travelled to the U of T campus for a 7 p.m. rally to “protect camp.”  (more...)

‘This is the student intifada’: Canadian students set up Palestinian solidarity encampments across the country

While campus protests continue in North America, University of Toronto (UofT) issued this statement, and King’s College Circle in UofT is fenced off. pic.twitter.com/fHgb6KKyNo

— Nur Dogan (@nurdogandiyorki) April 29, 2024