Vancouver Island University says the Palestine Solidarity Encampment has until next week to vacate or force will be used to remove protestors.
According to the university, the administration had been hopeful dialogue could be used to resolve the dispute that has been ongoing since the beginning of May, but they add the university must now protect the peace of students on campus.
“It has become evident that it’s not realistic to continue to anticipate that the encampment can be resolved this way,” VIU says. “The university must prioritize the safety and peace of all persons on campus.”
In a media release the university says participants in the protest have disrupted the normal operations of the school, staff and students on several occasions. They add this has hindered the ability of everyone to work in a secure and respectful environment.
“Activities such as disrupting an exam, occupation of various buildings, and vandalism prevent us from maintaining the inclusivity and safety we promise to uphold,” the school says. “Participants have escalated the severity of disruptive activities since its inception.”
They add activities range from occupation of the Student Affairs Building, blockading entry doors, damaging flags, affixing posters to walls with permanent adhesive and vandalizing the Starbucks sign with red paint.
The university says they don’t want to pursue any legal action against anyone which is why they’re convening a settlement proposal if the area is vacated before July 15, 2024, at 8 a.m.
“We continue to commit that should the encampment participants dismantle voluntarily then no disciplinary action will be pursued against students or employees involved,” they say. “If the encampment is vacated on, or before the deadline, VIU remains willing to abide by the terms of its most recent settlement proposal.”
To view the settlement proposal, visit VIU’s website.
