McGill University Centre Closed After Pro-Palestinian Camp Dismantled Montreal, June 1, 2023 – The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) has closed its Shatner Building after a pro-Palestinian protest camp was forcibly dismantled by university security earlier today. The protesters, who had erected the camp on Monday in solidarity with Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, were given an ultimatum by the university to vacate the premises by Wednesday evening. When they refused, SSMU security, backed by Montreal police, moved in and dismantled the camp. “We deeply regret the need to close the Shatner Building,” said SSMU President Judson Almeida. “However, the safety of our students and staff is our primary concern, and we cannot tolerate unauthorized activities that disrupt the normal functioning of the university.” The protest camp had been the site of several demonstrations and rallies, including a sit-in that blocked access to the building’s main entrance. The university had previously attempted to negotiate with the protesters, but talks broke down after they refused to meet certain conditions, including removing a banner that read “Free Palestine.” The dismantling of the camp has drawn criticism from student groups and pro-Palestinian organizations. The Palestine Solidarity Committee at McGill denounced the move as “an attack on student solidarity and freedom of expression.” “The university is silencing those who speak out for justice,” said committee member Omar Ahmed. “This closure is a clear attempt to intimidate students into silence.” The university maintains that its actions were necessary to ensure the safety of its community and uphold the university’s commitment to academic freedom. However, many students believe that the disproportionate use of force was unwarranted and that it sends a chilling message to those who support Palestinian rights. The closure of the Shatner Building is the latest in a series of incidents of tension between pro-Palestinian activists and university administrators in North America. In recent years, several universities have faced criticism for their handling of pro-Palestine protests and for alleged suppression of academic freedom.McGill University’s downtown campus will be closed for the day on Wednesday due to the dismantling of the pro-Palestinian camp on the lower field. The university cited safety concerns as the reason for the closure. The Montreal police are present to monitor the operation, which is being carried out by a private security agency hired by McGill.McGill University’s downtown campus will be closed for the day on Wednesday due to the dismantling of the pro-Palestinian camp on the lower field. The university cited safety concerns as the reason for the closure. The Montreal police are present to monitor the operation, which is being carried out by a private security agency hired by McGill. The university has requested that students, faculty, and staff avoid the area. All classes that are normally taught at the downtown campus have been moved online, and libraries and daycare centers are closed. The campus is also closed to the public, and all summer events, programs, and activities have been canceled.McGill University has closed its downtown campus after a pro-Palestinian camp was dismantled. The camp, which was set up on the university’s Roddick Gates, was intended to raise awareness of the plight of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. However, the university administration ordered it to be taken down, citing concerns about safety and disruption to campus operations. The dismantling of the camp led to protests and clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli students. Several people were arrested, and the university was forced to close its downtown campus for the day. The university has since announced that the camp will not be allowed to return. In a statement, the university said that it “respects the right of students to express their views, but it will not tolerate illegal activities or disruptions to campus operations.” The closure of the camp has drawn criticism from some students and faculty members, who say that the university is stifling free speech. However, the university administration has defended its decision, saying that it is necessary to maintain order on campus. The dismantling of the pro-Palestinian camp is the latest in a series of incidents involving pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian activism on university campuses. In recent years, there have been a number of protests and clashes between the two groups, and several universities have been accused of bias in their handling of the issue. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a complex and multifaceted issue with no easy solutions. It is important for universities to provide a space for open and respectful dialogue on the issue, while also ensuring that campus operations are not disrupted and that the safety of students and faculty is not compromised.