Location of pro-Palestine encampment leads to U of G being fined $20k per day

The University of Guelph says it’s being fined $20,000 per day for non-compliance as a pro-Palestine encampment continues to obstruct the evacuation pathway from a university building.

In an update posted to their website on Monday, the university said an assessment by its Physical Resources, Campus Safety and Guelph Fire Service found that some of the tents set up near Reynolds Walk are obstructing the evacuation pathway from Zavitz Hall.

“This creates an unsafe situation for people exiting the building in the event of a fire and impedes the ability of firefighters to respond,” the update read.

Guelph Fire issued orders for obstructions to be cleared by moving the tents and personal belongings off the walkway immediately beside Zavitz Hall with a deadline of midnight on May 31.

According to the university, Physical Resources, Campus Safety Office, University administration and Guelph Fire communicated the orders with members of the encampment on May 30, 31 and June 2.

“We were hopeful that members of the encampment would voluntarily comply with the requirements to relocate in the interests of safety of those using Zavitz, however, as of this morning members of the encampment have not moved all the tents and personal belongings that are obstructing the evacuation pathway,” the university said in the update.

Until they are in compliance, the university says they have closed access to the hall to reduce risk to the community.

The university says they are working with faculty and staff whose roles has been disrupted by the closure and will be installing additional security cameras in the area of the encampment.

“This information has been communicated with members of the encampment. We are disappointed that the situation has devolved in this way and that disruptions to the operations of the University continue as a result of the encampment,” the university said.

Encampment responds

In a media release issued on Tuesday, students at the encampment, referred to as the People’s Plaza for Palestine, announced they will be holding a press conference at 1 p.m. to address the fire safety inspection order, updates on negotiations and share what they say are new findings on the university’s investments.

“The People’s Plaza for Palestine remains steadfast in our demands for divestment and will settle for nothing less than a commitment to divestment,” the release read.

U of G’s proposals in response to requests

The university administration says they have had three face-to-face meetings with the group representing the encampment and discussed the university’s proposals in response to their requests last week.

In response to the group’s request for disclosure of investment holdings, U of G says they are committed to ongoing disclosure of its investments to community members. The first disclosure will be made before the end of the year which they say is dependent on the disbanding of the encampment.

In response to divestment, the university says they received a petition from the group prior to the establishment of the encampment requesting divestment.

“This petition immediately triggered the Board of Governors process to review the concerns and make recommendations regarding the management of the endowment portfolio in accordance with the University of Guelph’s Special Action Policy,” the university said.

The university adds that there have been discussions about establishing a scholarship or bursary program for students displaced by conflict and enhancing training and education on anti-racism for students, staff and faculty.