Student protesters at University of Alberta start pro-Palestinian encampment

A pro-Palestinian encampment has been set up in the main quad at the University of Alberta in Edmonton as protesters, demanding the school disclose its investments and cut any ties with Israel, joined similar demonstrations at dozens of campuses across North America.

More than 100 students, staff and supporters gathered at the site on Thursday in support of Gaza.

Supporters donned keffiyehs, set up tents and created signs while chanting their demands.

Campus protests have emerged at several universities across Canada, including the University of Calgary, McGill University in Montreal, the University of Toronto, the University of Ottawa and the University of British Columbia.

"We are in solidarity with the people of Gaza and the people of Palestine. They are going through a genocide right now," said organizer Abraar Alsilwadi in an interview with CBC. 

The group has four core demands, which include the disclosure of institutional and financial investments with Israeli institutions, divesting from these investments, defending the right to protest and declaring and condemning the situation in Gaza as a genocide while calling on the federal government to end military contracts with Israel. 

President and vice-chancellor Bill Flanagan said communication is ongoing with protestors, in a public statement on Thursday. 

"Academic freedom and freedom of expression are the foundations of the university. The U of A's Statement on Freedom of Expression reinforces our commitment to free expression in all forms of communication, including non-violent protest and dissent," Flanagan said.

"Even in cases where some may find the expression offensive or disturbing, we recognize the right to criticize and question." 

WATCH | 'We haven't had any comments on those demands,' organizer says:

Pro-Palestinian protesters vow to stay at the University of Alberta until demands are met

7 months ago

Duration 2:05

The encampment was set up Thursday in the main quad, joining similar demonstrations at dozens of campuses across North America. CBC reporter Sam Samson was on the scene to find out what the protesters are demanding – and why they are not leaving despite being issued trespass warnings.

However, he adds that "the university will act where necessary to protect people and property and uphold the university's policies."

Protest organizer Nour Salhi said that transparency and accountability from the university are necessary for students.

"We believe that the cost of human life is priceless," she said. 

"We pay tuition every semester, and we believe that transparency, no matter where that money goes, is just owed to students." 

Salhi said the group had been served two eviction notices. 

"Despite us being their students, we have been called trespassers on our campus land. We have also been told that should we not listen to the notice of eviction, we face fines and potential arrest." 

On Thursday evening, organizers agreed to pack up the encampment at the University of Calgary after police threatened to remove the camp. Those who remained were forcibly removed after several warnings.

CBC has requested further comment from the U of A on the eviction notices. 

Jewish university students told a parliamentary committee Thursday their universities have failed to protect them from antisemitic incidents on campus since the start of Israel's war on Hamas.

In late January, the International Court of Justice in The Hague ordered Israel to do everything in its power to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza.

Hamas's attack on Israel last fall led to the capture of more than 250 hostages and killed around 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the retaliatory bombing campaign and ground offensive have killed more than 34,000 Palestinians.