McGill University’s downtown campus fully reopened to the public

McGill University’s downtown Montreal campus was fully reopened to the public on Monday, though its historic Roddick main gates remained closed allowing access only through its smaller gates.

Access had been completely restricted to the public, after a pro-Palestinian encampment that occupied part of the field was dismantled there last month.

Pro-Palestinian protesters set up an encampment on April 27 on McGill’s lower field, calling on the university to divest from funds they say are tied to Israel and cut all ties with Israeli universities.

The encampment was dismantled on July 10 by a private security hired by McGill citing health and safety concerns. 

Since then, the university shortened its campus opening hours and required people to show McGill ID when entering.

As the campus once again allowed access to the public Monday and extended their hours, there was a security presence onsite and a few demonstrators outside, waving Palestinian flags.