McGill seeks injunction to remove encampment through legal action

McGill University Lawyers Seek Injunction to Dismantle Pro-Palestinian Encampment

Lawyers representing McGill University will be heading to court on Monday to request an injunction to dismantle a pro-Palestinian encampment that has been set up on the university’s downtown campus since April 27.

The university argues that the encampment poses a risk to safety, security, and health on campus, citing incidents of fierce verbal exchanges, potential violations of the fire code, and the presence of barrels that may contain human waste. McGill also expressed concerns that the camp could escalate tensions and attract confrontations with counter-protesters.

The protesters at the encampment are demanding that McGill divest from its investments in Israel and sever ties with the country. The camp, which consists of dozens of tents surrounded by a fence, was established following similar protests at universities in the United States.

McGill University is seeking a court order to end the encampment and has requested that Montreal police be authorized to dismantle the camp if necessary. Despite the legal action, McGill’s president, Deep Saini, stated that the administration is still open to meeting with the protesters.

The university also highlighted the financial implications of the encampment, noting that it would cost over $700,000 to rent an alternative site for graduation ceremonies, which are typically held in the area occupied by the protesters.

The court proceedings come as a second pro-Palestinian encampment was erected at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) on Sunday, mirroring the demands of the McGill protesters. Additionally, a similar encampment in Alberta was dismantled by Edmonton police following a request from the University of Alberta.