UQAM seeking injunction against pro-Palestinian encampment

MONTREAL — Université du Québec à Montréal has filed for an injunction against pro-Palestinian protesters who set up an encampment on its downtown campus almost two weeks ago.

UQAM is asking the Quebec Superior Court to prohibit protesters from setting up tents and other material within three metres of campus buildings.

It also wants protesters stop allegedly obstructing access to its campus, damaging surveillance cameras, engaging in vandalism and destroying university property.

UQAM says protesters are posing a safety risk by blocking an emergency exit, being in possession of gasoline canisters and iron bars, and potentially “overloading” the university’s electrical network with unauthorized extension cords.

“For more than a week, the University has reiterated to the occupants of the encampment that it is essential for the community to have full access to the pavilions of the Science Complex and to be able to circulate freely. The importance of ensuring a safe environment for all, including the occupants of the camp, was also reiterated,” said the university in a press release on Thursday.

The university claims the camp is not only made up of UQAM students, but other people or groups who have installed themselves there.

On Instagram Thursday, the group SolidaritePalestine à l’UQAM (SDHPP) responded to the injunction request by writing, “Come to the camp to support us or come to the court hearing this Friday at 9 a.m.” Adding, “United we stand.”

Since the encampment started on May 12, protesters have demanded that the university cut ties with Israeli institutions and disclose its links to Israel, and that the Quebec government cancel plans for a diplomatic office in the country.

UQAM has previously said that its “Foundation has no investment in armaments, having adopted a responsible investment policy many years ago, and that the University does not currently have a mobility agreement nor framework agreement with Israeli universities.”

‘We are open to examining with our students other avenues that could be consensual, for example welcoming Palestinian academics affected by the conflict, as part of the Scholars at Risk network that UQAM joined in 2017,” said UQAM rector Stéphane Pallage.

The university’s court application says the inner courtyard of the Pierre-Dansereau Science Complex is being occupied by about 40 tents.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2024.