The pro-Palestinian encampment at l’Université du Quebec à Montréal (l’UQAM) is coming down after the university’s board of directors unanimously approved a resolution agreeing to most of the demands of the protestors who’ve been set up there since May 12.
“Through our occupation and our courage, we have proven that it is possible to establish a balance of power and obtain significant gains,” a spokesperson for the protestors said in a statement.
“We are sending a clear message to the administrations of other universities. If you want to see an end to the encampments, you must take courageous actions,” they said.
The campers say they will dismantle their tents by June 6.
The university released a copy of the adopted resolution Thursday morning. Protestors were also scheduled to hold a news conference.
Among the several demands the university has agreed to:
- Asking the UQAM Foundation to ensure it has no direct investment in weapons companies
- Calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
- Committing to facilitating the reception of Palestinian academics and students and providing a budget for this purpose
Though UQAM did not commit to an academic boycott of Israel, it “recognizes the violation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.” It also recognizes the decisions of the International Court of Justice, which refer to plausible risks of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinians in Gaza.
Spokespeople for the encampment called UQAM’s resolution a “highly symbolic step forward” and said they will continue to push for Palestinian liberation on a provincial level.
A protest against Quebec’s Tel-Aviv office is scheduled for June 6.