Pro-Palestinian camp sets up at U of W

The University of Winnipeg is the latest campus to have a pro-Palestinian encampment.

The People’s University for Palestine Treaty 1 had set up 14 tents on the front lawn of the campus on Portage Avenue by Friday afternoon.

“The university respects the right to peaceful protest and assembly within the bounds of law and UWinnipeg policies,” the university said in a statement.

“Protesters who are not students, faculty or staff will not be permitted access to university buildings. Students, faculty and staff attending campus for classes or other university activities should bring their UWinnipeg ID with them to ensure they can access buildings as needed.”

The organizers could not be reached for comment.

At the University of Manitoba, a three-day camp, which was supposed to wrap up Thursday night, had stretched into Friday.

Students for Justice in Palestine, a group at the U of M, said earlier in the week the camp was set up to advocate “for justice in Palestine.” No one from the group could be reached for comment.

The University of Manitoba said in a statement its security staff is monitoring the site and it “remains peaceful.

“There are now plans for outside groups to protest at the Fort Garry campus on Saturday, which has resulted in the very unfortunate cancellation of Science Rendezvous,” the U of M said.

Science Rendezvous is part of a free coast-to-coast pop-up science centre event that exposes young people to science.

The university said it will plan for its return next year.

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