Dear members of the McGill community,Ìý
As announced this morning, there have been significant developments regarding the situation on the downtown campus encampment.Ìý
This morning, I convened the University’s senior leadership team and the Executive Committee of McGill’s Board of Governors, to discuss the changing environment on campus and next steps by the University. ÌýÌý
Over the past few days, McGill has been communicating openly and clearly as to our expectations regarding individuals setting up tents on university premises, which remain private property. These encampments violate both the law and McGill policies.ÌýÌý
Efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue with student representatives have been unsuccessful, culminating in the emergence of disturbing antisemitic rhetoric and behaviors among some participants, following the arrival of an increasing number of individuals from outside the McGill community. We cannot and will not tolerate this. It is both appalling and heartbreaking to see individuals occupying our campus to use it as a platform for obvious antisemitism.  ÌýÌý
While the encampment began peacefully, it has become clear that the situation has escalated and will continue to do so. ÌýÌý
As a result, we have moved onto next steps governed by our operating procedures on demonstrations, protests and occupations, which include efforts to de-escalate before moving to steps that involve police assistance.ÌýÌý
Certain protesters have clearly crossed the line of what we can tolerate. As we have said in the past, police intervention is a matter of last resort. Should the situation evolve further beyond the University’s protocols, we will have a duty to request their support in order to protect the health and safety of all on site. ÌýÌý
Our commitment to our mission to create a campus environment that allows all of us to work together respectfully and peacefully is unwavering. Because McGill is a university, a great university. We need to focus on teaching, learning, research and using our knowledge in the service of society. ÌýÌý
In the Middle East, the devastating loss of human life and the ongoing humanitarian crisis is horrific. As I and other McGill leaders have been listening to those deeply and personally affected, we have witnessed and acknowledged their pain, suffering and heart-wrenching grief. Throughout these painful last months, we have seen so many within our community support each other and make their positions known with compassion and respect. That is our standard. ÌýÌý
I would like to address directly the members of the McGill community who are participating in this occupation. The encampment began peacefully but has escalated to a point where there are risks to security and hateful rhetoric has been flagrantly used. Do you want to be associated with an event that flies patently in the face of the University’s core values? If not, I ask you to please leave the site now.   Ìý
We will keep you updated. I ask everyone to focus on supporting each other and the University’s mission as we go through this difficult time.ÌýÌý
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Deep SainiÌý
President and Vice-ChancellorÌý
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