B.C. universities focus on talks with encamped protesters as others take legal action
CTV
Some Canadian universities are taking legal action to end pro-Palestinian encampments on their campuses, but three schools in British Columbia are taking less confrontational approaches.
Some Canadian universities are taking legal action to end pro-Palestinian encampments on their campuses, but three schools in British Columbia are taking less confrontational approaches.
The University of Victoria says it's focusing on dialogue with encamped protesters, while Vancouver Island University says it's committed to a "measured" response.
Vancouver Island University spokeswoman Jenn McGarrigle said in a statement that while the encampment there has led to some disruptions for both students and staff, it has not changed the school's desire for a peaceful resolution.
"VIU continues to support the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression and to take a measured approach to the encampment," she said.
The University of Victoria said in an email that it was focusing on dialogue with protesters, despite an increase in cases of "challenging behaviour" on campus since the protests began.
The school said it was "interested in having productive dialogue with members of the encampment to work toward a peaceful resolution."
Both the Vancouver Island University and University of Victoria camps sprang up on May 1. The third B.C. encampment is at The University of B.C.'s Vancouver campus, where protesters have been occupying a sports field since April 29.
