Student-led pro-Palestinian encampments were established at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta campuses on Thursday morning, joining the dozens of protests happening on campuses across Canada and the U.S.
The Calgary Student Movement is leading the encampment and protest in Calgary, according to a news release on Thursday. The encampment, called the Mohkinstsis Liberated Zone, will stay in place until the university meets the group’s demands, the news release said.
The group is demanding that the university completely and permanently divest from all corporations involved directly and indirectly with the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated last October.
Calgary Student Movement is also calling on the university to condemn Israel’s actions toward Palestinians.
The encampment at the University of Calgary joins hundreds of students across Canada and the U.S. setting up encampments and calling on their schools to disclose ties with the Israeli government and divest from Israeli universities. This includes protests and encampments at the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Ottawa and Western University, among others.
“Our demands reflect a commitment to dismantling systems of oppression, and fostering a campus environment that upholds the dignity and rights of the individuals,” said Ryn LaRoux, a student and one of the spokespeople for the Calgary Student Movement.
Justice for Palestinians Calgary said in a social media post that it stands in solidarity with the student encampment at the University of Calgary and across Canada.
“These student-led encampments continue a legacy of powerful resistance against imperialism, reminiscent of past movements … Justice for Palestinians Calgary condemns all acts of racism and violence against any student or faculty member, including their labelling as antisemitic for participating in any action in fighting for the liberation of Palestine,” part of the post read.
A University of Calgary spokesperson said the university is aware that tents have been set up on campus.
“We are engaging with the individuals involved however, temporary structures and overnight protests are not permitted. Members of the campus community are free to protest but they are not free to camp,” the spokesperson said in an email.
A Calgary Police Service spokesperson told Global News that officers had asked students to leave, but they refused. The spokesperson said the students were trespassing.
But LaRoux said the students will not leave unless all the demands are met.
“We’ve spoken with the police. We have not been removed. We have not been arrested. We will. We will only do well. We only take down our encampment once our demands are met,” they said.
Small encampment set up at the University of Alberta
Global News has confirmed that a small encampment has been set up at the University of Alberta’s North Campus on Thursday afternoon.
Details are scarce, but a spokesperson for the University of Alberta said it is committed to free expression, including non-violent protests.
“Conversations are ongoing with those present including to ensure the safety of the U of A community along with that of those who may choose to peacefully demonstrate,” the spokesperson said in an email.
More to come…
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