Court temporarily bans anti-Israel protests on McGill campus

McGill University was successful in obtaining a temporary court order banning highly disruptive anti-Israel protests during its exam period.

Source: Facebook

McGill University was successful in obtaining a temporary court order banning highly disruptive anti-Israel protests during its exam period.

Earlier this month, McGill University saw an eruption of a large anti-Israel student strike that saw protesters disrupting lectures, preventing students from entering their classes, and vandalizing university property.

The strike was initiated by the Students’ Society of McGill University and backed by Students for Palestine’s Honour and Resistance. The groups called on the university administration to divest from weapons manufacturers linked to Israel’s war against Hamas, entities they claim are implicated in Palestinian suffering, and for students to observe the strike and forgo attending class.

A Quebec judge granted McGill a provisional injunction against the pro-Palestinian student groups, issuing a ten-day ban of anti-Israel protests.

The judge noted the several instances of destruction of property, including smashing windows, splattering paint on buildings and a McGill staff member, and blocking staff and students from entering classrooms.

The injunction compels the protestors to avoid blocking or obstructing entrances to the university, engaging in protests within five metres of any McGill building, or obstructing courses or exams.

Justice David R. Collier said that the anti-Israel protests and the chaos that ensued cannot be tolerated and that order must be restored.

“It is urgent to restore calm and a sense of security on the McGill campus,” said Collier.

“Violence, intimidation and the destruction of property cannot be tolerated in this country, least of all at our universities, whose very mission is to foster learning and the expression of opinion through peaceful, respectful dialogue.”

The judge noted that freedom of expression on McGill’s campus is not inhibited by the injunction.

The injunction, delivered on April 15, is in effect for the majority of McGill’s exam period, which ends on April 30.

Shortly after the demonstration ended, McGill began the process to cut ties with the student union Students’ Society of McGill University beginning the mediation process.

If the contract is cancelled, the union could lose access to university spaces, club services, and printing student papers.

Last year, McGill was the subject of a months-long pro-Palestine encampment at the university, described as a magnet for violence and illegal drug use. The encampment was eventually dismantled by Montreal police.