Today, Tuesday, May 7th, marks the seventh day that a group of students at the ‘People’s Park UVic’ have been protesting the institution’s ties to the Israeli government and their associates as the bombardment of Gaza continues to kill and displace Palestinians.
“This GENOCIDE is being funded by OUR student dollars and we continue to push UVIC to implement the [boycott, divestment and sanctions] movement,” said the organizers of the encampment in an admin update online.
Although the actions of the Israeli forces in this conflict have been decried by numerous experts and reputable organizations as genocidal, it has yet to be declared as such by the United Nations or the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
A spokesperson for the People’s Park UVic says that on May 6th, five students and UVic faculty who support divestment met with Jim Dudson, Associate Vice-President of Student Affairs and Nicole Greengoe, Executive Director, Vikes Athletics and Recreation.
According to the People’s Park UVic, the two who were sent were not knowledgeable about the notion of divestment or how to address the group’s demands.
“We are resilient and we are here to stay until our demands are met,” they wrote.
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Also on May 6th, many students returned to the university campus for summer classes and programs.
UVic says that they have been in contact with members of encampment and have been trying to engage in a dialogue surrounding responsible investment and divestment.
The university has also allowed the encampment to remain as they say that the protesters have been compliant and peaceful thus far, despite the fact the encampment is in breach of UVic’s policies.
UVic’s policies state that erecting tents, temporary structures and/or overnight encampments is prohibited.
Saanich Police and campus security have been working to strategize how to keep students safe through this ongoing solidarity protest, claiming to also be concerned for those who are involved in the encampment.
“We need to maintain safety for all members of our community—on all sides of this complex issue—and we will continue to reach out to members of our community to offer support and understanding,” wrote a UVic spokesperson in a statement.
More to come as the protest camp situation on UVic’s quad continues to unfold.
