The University of Waterloo has filed a lawsuit against protesters who set up a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus, alleging it damaged the school’s reputation and property.
In a lawsuit filed last week, the university said it is seeking $1.5 million in damages for property repairs, operational disruptions, diminished property values and reputational harm following the May 13 encampment.
The institution alleges that the protesters “engaged in deliberate actions intended to harm the university, its property, its reputation and the goodwill of the community.”
“This concerted effort to disrupt the operations, leadership and financial stability of the university was intended to cause, and did cause, harm, affecting the university’s ability to operate effectively and maintain its position in the university community,” the University of Waterloo wrote in a press release.
These allegations have not been tested in court, however.
The lawsuit names several protesters who identified themselves as representatives of the encampment, as well as unidentified people involved in the demonstrations.
The university is also seeking an injunction to dismantle the encampment and allow police to arrest and evict people who refuse to leave.
Protesters denounced the request on social media, calling it an attempt to intimidate students, as it raises the possibility of heavy fines that they cannot afford to pay.
“The university’s intimidation tactics and exorbitant legal proceedings will fail to stifle students’ right to free speech and their determination to fight for justice,” they said.
Protesters say the lawsuits target disenfranchised students, many of whom are grieving the loss of loved ones in Gaza.
The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) also criticized the decision.
“The administration’s actions constitute a brutal attempt to intimidate students who support the encampment,” said David Robinson, CAUT executive director.
“The university must exercise the utmost caution and restraint when dealing with issues of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Universities and colleges should never restrict these rights unless there is clear and demonstrable evidence that a protest poses imminent danger to people, serious violations of law, or an obstruction to essential operations.”
The university has denied allegations that it seeks to suppress dissenting voices.
“The purpose of this lawsuit is to end the encampment on the university campus. Its primary purpose is not to cause damage or punish those on university property.”
The University of Waterloo has already sent two intrusion notices to participants.