McGill University is suspending negotiations with the organizers of the pro-Palestinian encampment that has been set up on its campus for nearly two months, but intends to implement certain measures to demonstrate its good faith.
In a statement, McGill rector Deep Saini explained that the management’s latest offer, transmitted last week, was refused by the protesters. According to him, the activists also refused to enter into a mediation process.
Following this refusal, management considered that the talks had reached an impasse. It therefore is putting an end to them “while maintaining the next steps towards fulfilling (its) commitments.”
As promised in its most recent proposal, the university will examine the possibility of divesting from arms manufacturing companies, set up a fund to host two academics directly affected by the current crisis in the Middle East, and disclose, to the extent possible, its direct holdings and investments in fixed-yield securities below $500,000 – those above this amount are already public.
As for the encampment, management intends to remain in contact with law enforcement agencies and various levels of government in order to plan the next steps.
In Saini’s opinion, “no single university is equipped to manage the dismantling of a camp and the dangerous situations caused by such an occupation.”
– This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 18, 2024.