(Vancouver) Vancouver Island University says it has “regrettably” taken legal action against pro-Palestinian protesters it says ignored a trespass notice and a deadline to leave their encampment on its Nanaimo, B.C., campus.
The university said in a statement that it has retained outside counsel and filed a notice of civil action with the Supreme Court of British Columbia, seeking an injunction against the camp and damages for the protesters.
The move comes after the university issued a trespass notice last Thursday, saying legal action would be taken if the camp, which has been in place since April 1,er May was not dismantled by 8 a.m. Monday.
The university says the “continued presence” of the encampment has disappointed them and forced them to take steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus community.
Protesters say in an Instagram post that they remain “firm” and that by setting the deadline, the university has chosen to put students in danger, “vilify and punish them for using their right to protest.”
They claim that the university is “supposed to encourage critical thinking” but instead threatens students.
Protesters urged their supporters to call various numbers at the university, including the president’s office, to complain about the “lack of care and respect” they believe an injunction or police action would demonstrate.
The trespass notice was issued last week after an Ontario court granted an injunction against a similar camp at the University of Toronto, prompting protesters to leave, which Vancouver Island University noted.
The university said on Monday that protesters had escalated their actions and carried out acts of vandalism, disrupted an exam and occupied various buildings.
” This decision [d’intenter une action en justice] was not taken lightly, but it became necessary to ensure that the university can operate effectively and that our campus remains a safe and welcoming place for all,” the institution wrote on its website.
“We understand that this situation has been difficult and deeply emotional for many. We remain committed to supporting our students and employees during this challenging time and continue to encourage constructive and respectful dialogue on all issues affecting our community,” it also reads.
The university asked people not to call security numbers, which it said were for emergencies only.
The camp is one of a number of similar protest sites at universities across Canada and the United States.
A camp at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver was deliberately dismantled by protesters on July 7.
Protesters against the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza are demanding, among other things, that universities cut their financial and academic ties with Israeli companies and institutions.