Dear members of the McGill community,
Today, the Quebec Superior Court issued a judgment granting an injunction against Students for Palestine’s Honour and Resistance (SPHR) and all those who become aware of the judgment. The provisional injunction will remain valid for 10 days. Â
McGill sought the injunction to protect its academic mission and to defend students’ and instructors’ right to learn and work in an environment that is safe, stable, and suitable for teaching, learning, and research. At the same time, McGill continues to affirm the right of all community members to protest lawfully and within the limits of today’s judgment.
The judgment has the following effects:
-
SPHR and any person aware of the judgment must not block, obstruct, or hinder all or in part any entrance or exit to a building where McGill activities are underway, including buildings with McGill classes, labs, and offices.  The order extends to streets or walkways directly connected to entrances or exits. 
-
SPHR and any person aware of this judgment must not engage in protest activities within 5 metres of any McGill building.  Â
-
SPHR and any person aware of this judgment must not engage in harassment or intimidating and/or threatening behaviour involving any member of the McGill community or any visitor or contractor at McGill.   Â
-
SPHR and any person aware of this judgment must not engage in behaviour that disturbs the peace or engages in public disturbance, including disturbing classes or labs.   Â
The judgment also includes other provisions related to enforcement of the order. Â
The right to expression and assembly Â
McGill supports the rights of all community members to express their views through peaceful assembly that includes demonstrations and protests. However, the University’s mission statement clearly underlines the importance of “offering the best possible education, by carrying out research and scholarly activities.”  Balancing these objectives values and is critical.Â
We have been the site of obstructive protests barring students and instructors from accessing classrooms and buildings. Just yesterday, we saw acts of violence, vandalism and intimidation. In announcing its October 7 to 11 “Week of Rage,” SPHR stated that there must be “no business or classes as usual.” This clearly violates the fundamental academic rights of students, instructors, and all McGillians. Â
This injunction does not prevent anyone from exercising their rights to free speech and free assembly, on campus or elsewhere, within the limits imposed by the court. Â
Read the full text of the judgement
Sincerely,
Angela Campbell, Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) and
Fabrice Labeau, Vice-President (Administration and Finance) Â
