A pro-Palestinian encampment is set for the University of Manitoba next week, as a wave of protests at campuses across Canada and the U.S. reaches Winnipeg.
The three-day encampment “in solidarity with land defenders globally” is planned for May 7-9 in the quad at the U of M’s Fort Garry campus in south Winnipeg, according to online posts.
Campus protests in recent weeks at North American universities — some of which have resulted in violent clashes between attendees and police or attendees and counter-protesters — began at Columbia University in New York, in response to the offensive Israel launched in Gaza after a deadly attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.
About 1,200 people were killed on Oct. 7, including several Canadians, while some 250 people were taken hostage, according to Israeli government tallies.
Since then, more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, according to the Health Ministry there.
The U of M protest is being organized by Students for Justice in Palestine, social media posts say.
Among other things, the group is calling for the university to:
- Divest from companies that are “complicit in the oppression and discriminatory policies against Palestinians.”
- Cease exchange programs and academic collaborations with Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which is “located in a highly contested area.”
- Boycott “Israeli institutions complicit in violations of human rights.”
- Issue a public statement of support for Palestinian rights.
- Discontinue the political studies course “Arab Israeli Conflict,” which the group says perpetuates a biased narrative.
- End university-sponsored birthright trips to Israel, which the group says are “controversial due to their political implications.”
- Implement permanent measures on campus to safeguard Palestinian students from harassment and racism, which could include regular reviews, reporting procedures, and mandatory cultural competency training for staff and students.
CBC News has reached out to the U of M for comment about the encampment and demands, and has also reached out to the student organizers for comment.
Earlier this week, before the encampment plans had been announced, the university was asked if it had prepared for potential campus protests, and about any U of M investments in Israeli companies or organizations.
In a statement emailed to CBC Thursday, the university said it was aware of the protests around the country, and always aims “to ensure that our campuses are safe working and learning environments.”
As for finances, the university said it doesn’t invest directly in individual stocks or companies, but relies on fund managers to choose investments “that align with our responsible investment policy.”
No information was offered on what that “responsible investment policy” entails.
In its social media postings, Students for Justice in Palestine said the encampment is “only for students.”
It also warned that international students “may face heightened risks,” while non-U of M students risk trespassing charges.
The post also said anyone who wants to take part in the encampment must agree to a set of guidelines, which include not speaking to campus security or police, not responding to agitators or counter-protesters, and observing the privacy rights of other protesters by not disclosing their names or personal information.