What set apart the protest camp at the University of Calgary from previous instances of tolerated camps?

The University of Calgary campus has seen its fair share of protests over the years, with colourful tents becoming a symbol of student activism. However, the recent events in May 2024 took a dark turn compared to past demonstrations.

In 1999, students set up tents in protest of planned tuition hikes, leading to a peaceful resolution after the university agreed to soften its stance. A similar protest in 2003 also ended without major incidents. Fast forward to 2024, when pro-Palestinian protesters set up camp to pressure the university to sever financial ties with Israel. The response was drastically different, with police declaring the protesters trespassers and forcibly removing them, leading to five arrests.

The swift and forceful action by authorities has sparked criticism and raised questions about the university’s decisions. Law professors at the U of C Faculty of Law believe that the actions taken likely violated the protesters’ Charter rights. The current students’ union president also condemned the use of force, stating that the administration’s decision to involve the police was unnecessary and put students in harm’s way.

The contrast between the peaceful resolutions of past protests and the violent crackdown on the recent demonstration highlights a shift in the handling of student activism on campus. The events of 2024 have left a lasting impact on the university community, with trust between students and administration being called into question. As the dust settles, the campus grapples with the aftermath of a protest that ended in confrontation rather than dialogue.