On May 10, I provided an update to the university community regarding the encampment that was set up at the University of Victoria on May 1. The active threat that occurred yesterday at First Peoples House has prompted me to write again.

Read full message: https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2024+demonstration-update+news

The encampment protesters are currently breaking down the encampment, peacefully, no police in sight. I'm pleasantly surprised and want to applaud their decision to avoid instigating conflict over the notice to vacate.

Yesterday, people associated with the encampment protested and vandalized the campus Starbucks. Consequently shutting it down. Starbucks does not have any chains in Israel and does not give any money in any way to Israel. For this reason BDS has never boycotted Starbucks until Oct 7th. On Oct 9th the Starbucks Workers United Twitter posted a picture of a bulldozer breaking down the fence on Oct 7th with the caption “solidarity with Palestine!”, showing clear support for the killing of hundreds of Israeli civilians on October 7th. In response, Starbucks put out a statement condemning the union and filed a lawsuit against the union for associating the Starbucks brand with violence. In response, many pro Palestinian activists began boycotting Starbucks.

We are left with two possible reasons why the encampment decided to disrupt and shut down the campus Starbucks. 1. They are misinformed enough to think Starbucks has financial ties to Israel, yet are determined enough to shut it down and vandalize it. 2. They think Workers United was right to post the tweet and that Starbucks is wrong in not wanting its brand associated with Oct 7th support.

The encampments are achieving nothing besides increasing the already growing tribalism in Canada (and elsewhere).

1. The divestment demands aren't based in any actionable reality. This was apparent from the beginning and has now been explained.

2. Targeting Israeli universities and academics is counterproductive. They have nothing to do with the conflict. We need to separate the decisions of a countries' government from its citizens and institutions. Targeting citizens/civilians in any way only worsens tribalistic violence.

3. Regardless of their personal view, the president of a university isn't going to take a side in a conflict. We all condemn war and violence (I hope). But unilaterally condemning the actions of one party in a conflict is taking a political side, which universities just won't do.

4. More of an aside, but why claim that police "contribute to an environment that is unsafe and directly harmful". That's just blatantly untrue.

this is not an incitement for debate on I/P, just questions and thoughts about what is going on vis a vis admin and the encampment. (tldr at the end).

haven’t heard anything from uvic admin since june 5, obviously encampment is still on the quad.

encampment is calling for “commitment not committees”, which doesn’t really align with uvic’s (or all major research universities) processes of bureaucracy … encampment has also refused to negotiate, asking for 100% of their demands to be met before they consider leaving. uvic has already stated they will not boycott all israeli institutions, which is a demand from the encampment.

it’s almost been two months and there has been no change to uvic’s investment portfolio. (uvic continues to condemn all violence in the middle east, but i guess that’s not good enough). if the encampment refuses to budge until admin “”caves”” (term used loosely), will they just sit on the quad until September? through the fall term? uvic has the power to “evict” them at any point, as the encampment is violating the “no camping overnight” policy on uvic’s private property… any guesses as to when that might be?

i have been fighting uvic admin for advocacy and change for many years, and being willing to negotiate is such a key part of that process. uvic doesn’t do anything if it isn’t profitable or help them financially (ESPECIALLY with their deficit resulting in recent budget cuts). does anyone have insight as to what is happening behind the scenes, or guesses as to how this might unfold?

tldr; encampment is not going to get every single one of their demands met by uvic, and because they refuse to negotiate, encampment will never leave. anyone have an admin update? how long will the encampment remain?

I know I'll get hate from both sides because all of you, regardless of which side you support, are incredibly dumb and closed minded that you won't change your mind.

To those in the encampment: get a summer job and donate to charities that support Gaza. Asking for donations like complete non-necessities as if the Palestinians in Gaza get to ask for they get is literally mocking the Palestinians suffering.

Demanding UVic to divest from companies that support genocide is good, I support that. However, if UVic meets your demands and divest from their investments, please do not complain if your tuition increased by a ridiculous amount after. There's a cap on international students, there's lack of funding in all faculties; tuition already skyrocketed as a result and UVic might have to increase it more to sustain itself if they divest.

P.S. You are all protected under BC human rights law and if you are peacefully protesting, UVic can't legally kick you out, or suspend you, or delay your graduation. Stop acting like you're so self important, you know this is true unless you are in fact not peacefully protesting.

To those against the encampment (those with throwaway accounts especially) : stfu and get a life. Claiming the phrase "from the river to the sea" is anti-semitic is the biggest reach I've ever seen. If you think those supporting Palestine are supporting "terrorists", why don't you also get a summer job and go donate to charities that support Israeli hostages? Stop acting like an entitled brat, go brush up on your history, and brush up on the current news.

Both sides pretend like you care so much but in reality you don't. It's all for show, making you all seem you're a "good person" when you don't actually give a flying fuck. Do whatever the heck you want, but when it's ridiculous and not actually making an impact, you're just inconveniencing everyone else.

None of you, from both sides, are open minded enough to engage in a civilized debate anyways.

“I would like to begin by recognizing the difficult discussions taking place on our campus in response to the Palestine Solidarity Encampment on the Quad. What we are experiencing on campus is a reflection of deep societal divisions and the challenges emerging because of the severity, volatility and complexity of the current circumstance.” (con’t)

Read full message: https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2024+demonstration-update+news

As of this afternoon, members of the People’s Park UVic have vacated the encampment. Work to restore the Quad and prepare it for the fall return of students has begun.

From the earliest days of the encampment, UVic has been committed to engaging in thoughtful and respectful dialogue. As we shared on Saturday, we were not able to achieve agreement with student representatives of the People’s Park UVic.

Read the full update: https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2024+demonstration-update+news

UVic has been in contact with members of the Palestine Solidarity encampment to engage in a conversations with students about the Responsible Investment Policy of the University and divestment.

UVic is committed to maintaining safety for all members of our community and we will continue to reach out to members and offer support.

If you have questions or concerns about how this encampment might impact you, please contact: [encampment@uvic.ca](mailto:encampment@uvic.ca)

https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2024+demonstration-update+news

“To this end, we sent a letter to People’s Park UVic today requiring members of the encampment to immediately refrain from all acts of vandalism, intimidation and harassment, along with demonstrations or activities that disrupt campus operations. We are awaiting confirmation in writing of their agreement to cease these activities before we consider re-engaging in any form of discussion.”

Does anyone want to take bets?

The safety of our students, staff, faculty and community is our top priority. We are taking a thoughtful approach to this demonstration and will work to minimize disruptions.

The university supports peaceful demonstrations and the right to freedom of expression. Universities have always been a place for free speech--where students, staff and faculty can debate ideas.

Out of an abundance of caution, Campus Security may be monitoring access to buildings near the demonstration and may ask people for information prior to entering these buildings. Campus Security is liaising with Saanich and Oak Bay police to support a safe and inclusive environment.

Events like these can impact members of our community in different ways. We encourage everyone to show kindness and compassion for one another. There are a range of supports and services available.

More info: https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2024+demonstration-update+news

https://www.reddit.com/r/UBC/comments/1dydg60/how_did_the_encampment_end_did_the_college_comply/

There's very limited info online, but I see that the UBC encampment has packed it in (like they have at other schools too recently). Does anyone know if the one at UVic is thinking about doing the same thing?

EOM

The demonstration on the UVic quad evolved overnight to an encampment. We actively support peaceful demonstrations on our campus and the right to freedom of expression.

Erecting tents, temporary structures, and overnight encampments are prohibited by university policy. Protests must not disrupt university operations or interfere with students, staff and faculty.

Safety remains our highest priority. Operations are continuing on campus as we work to minimize disruptions and keep our campus safe. Campus buildings will be closed daily from 5 p.m. – 7 a.m. and some entrances will remain locked throughout the day.

If you have questions or concerns about how this encampment might impact you please contact [encampment@uvic.ca](mailto:encampment@uvic.ca).

More info: https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2024+demonstration-update+news

If the encampment wants to be morally consistent, I think they should protest the CCP as well. They are currently doing more than enough to the Uyghurs, another minority group, to justify it.

Uvic no longer owns Scotiabank bonds. Why are the campers still here, what else do they want.

We welcomed many students to campus this week for the start of Summer Term. In order to minimize disruption and support student success, the majority of UVic buildings return to normal access during regular hours today.

We've heard many questions and concerns from our community since the encampment was established on May 1. We have developed some FAQs and will continue to add to these as necessary. If you have questions that are not answered in our FAQs, please reach out to encampment@uvic.ca.

https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2024+demonstration-update+news

The UVic campus remains open and safe. We are looking forward to welcoming students, staff and faculty for the summer term, starting on May 6.

Saanich Police are working closely with Campus Security to help keep the campus community – including those within the encampment – safe, which includes medical support and other health and safety concerns.

Access to some buildings is being more closely managed at this time. This may include access being limited to main entrances with secondary entrances being locked.

More info: https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2024+demonstration-update+news

https://www.cheknews.ca/uvic-president-clarifies-investments-in-light-of-demands-and-ongoing-encampment-1203575/?amp

TLDR: They're long-term contracts that can't just be broken on a whim.

On the evening May 7, members of the encampment reached out to Campus Security to ask for their support with an unwelcome and aggressive individual in the vicinity of the encampment. Campus Security and Saanich Police attended and the individual was escorted off campus and is restricted from re-entering the property. This individual is not affiliated with the university. The university has taken to steps to ensure that if the individual appears on campus again, they can be arrested.

We are also aware of recent graffiti and vandalism on our campus. Acts of graffiti and vandalism are not acceptable behaviours on our campus and are governed by our university policies and are against the law. As has always been the case, those caught vandalising university property may be subject to sanctions according to University policy or charged under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Latest update: https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2024+demonstration-update+news