Protestors set up tent encampment on campus, Western University says
As protestors set up tent encampments at universities across Canada and the U.S. in support of Palestine, London, Ont.’s Western University finds itself no exception on Wednesday.
According to a news release from Western University, a group of protestors began setting up tents outside Western’s University Community Centre on Wednesday.
The university said they have begun a dialogue with the protestors.
“We have affirmed their right to protest and indicated that we are here to work with them to ensure their activity remains peaceful and lawful,” Western said. “We have also outlined the activities that are not permitted on campus, including erecting tents.”
The protestors’ activity is “proceeding peacefully,” Western added.
Speaking to CTV News London, protestors said they want Western to divest from companies they said are complicit in Israel's assault on Gaza, and demand university leadership denounce Israel's actions.
"This genocide, this war, this massacre, it is taking far too many lives," said Dr. Tarek Loubani, whose wife is currently in Gaza helping with aid efforts.
Organizers are refusing to identify themselves for fear of reprisal from the university, but said students and alumni are involved.
Campus constables are on site where they are monitoring the situation and ensuring the Western community remains safe, and are also consulting London police, which the university said they would do for any unsanctioned gathering.
The university warned however that while dialogue and debate are welcomed and encouraged, including for difficult topics, “Western will not tolerate hate speech.”
Organizers said the encampment will remain until midnight.
"If we don't see any change, if we don't se any divestments, if our voices are not being heard then we might have to run similar events until our demands are met by the university", said one of the encampment organizers.
There has been a wave of similar protests linked to the Israel-Hamas war at university campuses in Canada and the U.S., including at Montreal’s McGill University and the University of Victoria in British Columbia.
— With files from CTV News London's Gerry Dewan
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor fatally shot in Los Angeles
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting thieves Saturday, according to his agent and CNN affiliate KABC.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
Severe thunderstorms set to hit some areas of Canada. Here's where
Depending on where you live, you can expect to get a mixed bag of weather this week, as local forecasts predict heavy rain, strong wind and severe thunderstorms across Canada.
'We were vetted': Sex-ed organization 'disappointed' over Higgs' comments
The head of a Quebec-based sexual and reproductive health organization says she's disappointed New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has deemed presentations she did in the province last week inappropriate.
Richard M. Sherman, who wrote songs for 'Mary Poppins' and 'It's a Small World,' dies at 95
Richard M. Sherman, who helped write the songs for 'Mary Poppins,' 'The Jungle Book' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' — as well as the most-played tune on Earth, 'It's a Small World (After All)' — died at 95.