McGill University is once again trying to convince the protesters who set up a pro-Palestinian camp on its campus over a month and a half ago to pack up.
In its most recent proposal sent to the activists, the institution pledges, among other things, to “review” its participation in entities that derive most of their revenues from the production of military weapons.
The protesters’ tents have been set up on the McGill campus since late April, but tensions escalated last week when some activists entered a university building. The event led to a major police operation, during which officers used tear gas to disperse the crowd outside, and arrested some 15 people.
The following day, McGill management denounced “the use of all forms of intimidation, aggression and harassment or illegal tactics.” It said it was ready to continue negotiations with the protesters, and criticized them for withdrawing from the talks.
On Tuesday morning, management confirmed it had sent a new proposal to protesters, saying it was “firmly resolved to resume dialogue and to exchange views transparently and in good faith.”
In its proposal, McGill first plans to review its “direct equity interest in entities deriving the majority of their direct revenues from the production of military weapons, regardless of where they operate.” A committee will be mandated to conduct a comparative analysis with other universities, and to initiate a “comprehensive consultation” with the student community.
Secondly, the university promises to disclose investments under $500,000 – investments over $500,000 are already public. Management specifies, however, that this commitment will be made “to the extent possible.”
The proposal makes no mention of links with Israeli universities but asserts that McGill will make “greater space for Palestinian institutions and intellectuals,” while supporting students displaced by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and elsewhere in the Middle East.
One of the demands made by camp organizers is that McGill cut its ties with Israeli universities, which they consider “complicit in the genocide” in the Gaza Strip.
Finally, McGill’s management has pledged not to impose any disciplinary sanctions on the members of its community who took part in the camp, but adds that “amnesty” will end this Saturday.
“Let us clarify that this amnesty does not apply to certain acts we have recently witnessed and which are currently under investigation, such as forcible entry into the James Administration Pavilion, destruction of property, vandalism, harassment, etc.,” management added.
In a press release, McGill noted that similar proposals have led to agreements and the voluntary dismantling of encampments erected on the grounds of other universities. For example, the camp set up at the Université du Québec à Montréal was dismantled by its participants in recent days.
“We urge the members of the McGill community who participate in the encampment to agree to discuss this new proposal in good faith, with the help of a qualified and neutral mediator, in the hope of reaching a peaceful and mutually satisfactory solution,” said the university.
During the month of May, the Superior Court denied two injunction requests seeking permission to dismantle the camp. One of these applications was filed by McGill University itself.
– This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 11, 2024.