(Toronto) Nearly a month after pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up their tents on the campus of the University of Toronto, the establishment turned to the courts on Monday to request the dismantling of the encampment, which would cause it “a irreparable harm.”
In its notice of motion, the university asks the court to authorize the police to intervene to evict protesters who refused to submit to eviction notices. The university further maintains that this procedure did not interfere with students’ ability to engage in respectful discussion and debate.
The demonstrators immediately declared they were ready to fight back with their own legal team and refused to leave the premises, ignoring the deadline set for Monday morning in a trespass notice sent Friday.
In a statement released Monday morning, university President Meric Gertler said the administration was asking the court for an expedited pretrial conference for its request for an injunction.
In the meantime, Mr. Gertler emphasizes that the university is continuing discussions with students representing the occupants of the encampment. He still hopes to reach an amicable settlement and the dismantling of the “illegal encampment”.
In its notice of motion, the University of Toronto argues that the encampment results in part of its campus not being accessible to other members of the university community or the public.
“The University of Toronto attempted to end the encampment by negotiating with the leaders of the occupiers, but these negotiations failed,” write the university’s lawyers.
University officials issued a trespass notice Friday ordering protesters to dismantle the encampment by 8 a.m. Monday morning. Authorities later warned Sunday that they would seek a court injunction if protesters did not comply with the notice of trespass on university property.
Morning demonstration
Protesters, who began setting up tents in a large green space in the heart of the downtown campus on May 2, remained at the site Monday morning. They were joined by professors and labor organizations for a rally in front of the Convocation Hall building as the deadline of 8 a.m. Monday passed.
Protesters waved flags and huddled under umbrellas as drizzle turned to a heavier downpour during the rally.
PHOTO CHRIS YOUNG, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Protesters were joined by teachers and labor organizations for a rally in front of Convocation Hall on Monday.
Sara Rasikh, one of the protest’s spokespersons, told the crowd that protesters had tried for months to get the university to listen to their demands, but only received a response after installing the camp.
“The reason is that the power of the people threatens the university. It threatens the legitimacy of this institution, declared Mr.me Rasikh Monday. The University of Toronto continues to propose committees, but we want commitments. We want divestment. We want disclosure. And we want it now. »
Natalie Rothman, a history professor at the university and a member of the Jewish Professors’ Network, said she was “outraged” when the school sent out a notice of trespassing.
“This is a peaceful protest. We’ve been here since day one, it’s been just a model of what university should be about real learning, real solidarity, real community,” said Mr.me Rothman at Monday’s rally.
PHOTO CHRIS YOUNG, THE CANADIAN PRESS
The pro-Palestinian encampment on the University of Toronto campus
“And for the university to threaten students, staff and faculty with disciplinary action if they protest peacefully, in accordance with their Charter rights and the university’s mission statement, is absolutely outrageous . »
“Irreparable harm”
The University of Toronto argued in legal documents that nothing in the requested dismantling “interferes with the occupiers’ ability to express their opinions and engage in respectful discussion and debate.”
The university also maintains that it has received numerous “concerning reports” since the creation of the encampment.
“The university has suffered and continues to suffer irreparable harm,” the court documents read. The university’s failure to control the violence, harassment, harmful and discriminatory speech, and property damage that occurs has undermined the university’s reputation as a free and open environment for respectful discussion and debate , and as a safe place for higher education. »
Occupiers and university administrators held a meeting Sunday afternoon, during which protesters presented what they described as a “counter-offer,” calling on the university to disclose its public investments in companies profiting from the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
Protesters are also calling on the University of Toronto to create a joint working group to examine private investments. They ultimately demand that the establishment sever its ties with two Israeli academic institutions in particular.
Last Thursday, the university made an offer to the protesters, who had 24 hours to respond. The institution proposed forming a working group to examine options for disclosing its investments, but did not promise to end any partnerships with Israeli universities.
Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop said Monday she supports the rollback. “Convocation is coming up and it’s a safety issue. We want to ensure that families feel safe on campus and are not intimidated into attending ceremonies. »
Meanwhile, protesters at McMaster University in Hamilton decided to end their encampment after reaching an agreement with the university last week.