Conflicting narratives at Western University encampment

Demonstrators set up a tent encampment in support of Palestine at Western University in London, Ont. on May 1, 2024. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)

According to a social media post run by demonstrators at the Western University encampment, they declined a proposed meeting with school leaders on Tuesday.

The Western Divestment Coalition claims university administration invited students to meet for an update on the themes the school is considering to bring a resolution to the encampment.

However, the post goes on to say the proposed updates fall "significantly short" of student expectations.

This coalition post contradicts a Western University statement issued earlier Tuesday, which claimed administration had a productive meeting with students — with an agreement to meet again this week in an effort to work toward a peaceful resolution.

In a statement issued Wednesday from Western, the university said it met with student representatives and shared a set of “commitments appropriate to our mission as an institution of higher learning.”

The university said the response comes weeks after careful consideration and discussion with students.

Those commitments the university said are dependant on whether organizers agree to dismantling the encampment and not returning, and not disrupting Western’s convocation ceremonies out of respect for their fellow students.

“The safety concerns connected to the encampment are real and immediate,” Western said. “We must bring it to a peaceful conclusion.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up an encampment on campus earlier this month — demanding the university sever economic ties with businesses or agencies tied to Israel’s military action in Gaza.