Dear members of the McGill community,
I am writing to update you as we work to resolve the situation on the field on lower campus.
The heartbreaking situation in the Middle East that has led to the encampment on McGill campus is complex. I recognize the diversity of positions on the subject and the need for these perspectives to be heard.
I recognize the pain people on all sides are feeling and the human suffering caused by these events. I hear it in the conversations I have with people from McGill and outside, and it deeply pains me. I would like nothing better than for peace to prevail.
Everyone has a right to protest and express their views in an appropriate manner and place. I support the right of all members of McGill community to do so on our campuses in ways that respect the law and McGill’s policies and procedures.
However, no one, let alone individuals from outside McGill, has the right to set up an encampment on the University’s property, including the grounds.
By their own declaration through explicit signs, the current encampment includes a variety of groups with no association with McGill. This cannot be accepted and will not be allowed. Therefore, the encampment must be dismantled quickly, and this is non-negotiable.
We have reached out again to the lawyers retained by some members of the McGill community to try to restart our discussions as we continue to collaborate with police.
I felt it was important to let McGillians as a whole know the proposal we had offered to them.
If members of the McGill community in the encampment permanently leave the encampment immediately, I commit to holding a forum with members of the McGill community to discuss your various demands and any contrary views in a peaceful, respectful, and civilized manner.
Our discussions today will be only with McGill community members. To those not affiliated with McGill, let me reiterate that you must leave McGill property immediately.
As we navigate this difficult situation, our goals are to ensure the health and safety of our community and maintain a safe, respectful and inclusive campus environment, that prioritizes our mission of teaching, learning and research.
Sincerely,
Deep Saini
President and Vice-Chancellor
McGill University