Toronto police remove York University encampment at school’s request
Posted June 6, 2024 10:00 am.
Last Updated June 6, 2024 12:24 pm.
York University says Toronto police officers removed an encampment set up on school grounds at the request of university officials.
On Wednesday, a pro-Palestinian encampment was erected on York’s Keele Campus, with tents in the Harry W. Arthurs Common area. York University issued a statement today saying the school had been clear that “encampments and physical occupations of community spaces are not permitted under its policies.”
As a result, Toronto police confirmed that officers operated under the authority of the Trespass Act to remove the encampment.
“York’s campuses must be accessible for all community members and visitors – the Common is intended for use as a space for study, work, and leisure,” the university said in its statement. “Those who set up the encampment have now received a trespass notice due to their unauthorized use of campus grounds.”
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The school says the individuals involved in setting the encampment left peacefully. Toronto police said one person returned and was arrested under the Trespass Act.
“York’s Community Safety team is clearing the site of equipment so that it may be returned to its intended use as soon as possible,” the statement continued. “Toronto Police Service presence was requested by the University to ensure the safety of all concerned.”
York U faculty group in support of encampment speaks out
Tamanisha J. John, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Politics at York University, shared a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, following the removal of the encampment. John said there were “an overwhelming” amount of officers at the campus.
“It is probably closer to 50 police officers in riot gear that York University sent in to clear the encampment after releasing a statement [Wednesday] which lied about wanting to ‘establish a dialogue with the students in the encampment,” one tweet read.
The York University faculty group “YorkProfs4Pal” issued a statement, which read in part, “[We’re] appalled at York University admins’ decision to raid the peaceful student encampment.”
“We stand with students and demand an immediate response from the administration outlining their role in suppressing students’ lawful exercise of their right to engage in protest.”
York University joined several academic institutions which have had encampments established on school grounds in support of Palestinians during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
“York supports the rights of our community members to advocate for the views they hold and will continue to actively seek to engage in respectful dialogue about challenging topics,” York U said.
“Please expect a message later today responding to the concerns that motivated the encampments, including the profound suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. We are also committed to meeting with community representatives within the next week.”
Those behind the York University encampment were expected to hold a similar rally at 2 p.m. in solidarity with Palestinians, though it’s unclear if that will continue.
Demonstrators at the University of Toronto (U of T) held a news conference at 9 a.m. today to address school administrators who they say are actively inciting violence against students in the encampment.
U of T had filed an injunction to remove the encampment set up on May 2 in King’s College Circle before graduation ceremonies began on June 3, but it will have to wait for a hearing starting on June 19. The legal action was taken after a trespass notice to leave the area on May 27 was ignored. Demonstrators have said they will remain until their demands are met.
Last week, Toronto police said they would only take action to clear a pro-Palestinian encampment at U of T in case of an emergency or to carry out a court order. In an update to the Toronto Police Service Board, Deputy Chief Rob Johnson said, “Given the manner in which events have unfolded to date,” the law on trespassing doesn’t give the force legal authority to clear the encampment.
Convocation Hall faces King’s College Circle, and more than 30 ceremonies are scheduled before the motion is heard. The university says all events will proceed as planned with “extra precautions.”
With files from The Canadian Press
