Vancouver Island University say they’re disappointed protestors have violated a trespass notice issued on July 11, and they’re now filing legal action.
A notice was issued by the university for protestors involved in the Palestine Solidarity Encampment to vacate the grounds on July 15, 2024, at 8 a.m. or face legal action.
The university says demonstrators have now gone one step further to jeopardize the safety of students and staff, which causes critical impacts to the academic community.
“It has come to our attention the encampment is urging protestors to call two security numbers,” they say in a media release. “These numbers are designated for emergencies only, and tying up these lines unnecessarily puts our community at risk in critical situations that demand immediate attention.
“We kindly request you refrain from call these two numbers unless you have a genuine emergency to report.”
They add actions taken by the encampment have forced their hand legally and now the university is taking necessary legal steps.
“We’ve retained external counsel and have commenced a court action, including a notice of civil claim, in the Supreme Court of BC seeking injunctive relief and damages from the encampment participants,” the university says. “The decision wasn’t made lightly, but it has become necessary to ensure the university can operate effectively and that our campus remains safe.”
VIU says they’re seeking an injunction similar to the one issued by the Ontario Superior Court for an encampment at the University of Toronto.
Palestine Solidary Encampment has been protesting at Nanaimo’s VIU campus since the beginning of May, and they say they will continue to remain steadfast in their commitment to the Palestinian cause.
