McGill University’s downtown downtown will reopen on Monday, after access was restricted due to the dismantling of the pro-Palestinian encampment that occupied part of the field.
According to a statement from McGill Thursday afternoon, as of Aug. 5, the opening hours on campus will be extended.
“McGill ID will no longer be required to enter the lower campus,” reads the statement. “All classes will take place in their usual locations, and on their usual schedules. All buildings will return to their regular opening hours, and libraries will return to their usual schedules.”
Starting Monday, campus will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays.
On weekends, starting August 10, it will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
However, the university said that students, staff, and faculty will have to bring their McGill ID card outside of opening hours.
This weekend, on Aug. 3 to 4, the current measures will remain in place:
-The lower campus will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
-McGill ID and access letters are required.
-Pedestrians/cyclists will have access to the Milton, Roddick, and McTavish gates. Drivers can also use Milton.
-Entrances to these buildings from the city streets remain closed.
-Also, libraries on the lower campus will close 5:30 p.m.
“We understand that this phased reopening has posed significant challenges for some of our community members, and we truly regret these unavoidable impacts. We are grateful for the collaboration and understanding you have shown during this challenging period,” noted the press release.
Encampment at McGill University
Pro-Palestinian protesters set up camp on April 27 at McGill, following similar demonstrations at other university campuses in North America.
Participants demanded that the university end its investments in companies that profit from Israel’s military operation in Gaza, and that management cut all ties between McGill and Israeli universities.
The pro-Palestinian encampment was dismantled by private security hired McGill – citing health and safety concerns. A notice of eviction was served by the school on July 10, just before 5 a.m., and about 50 protesters were onsite at the time.