UQAM class shut down by demonstrators after injunction renewed
Quebec judge criticizes university for failing to stop masked students from disrupting classes
About 50 demonstrators marched through the hallways at the University of Quebec at Montreal this afternoon, shutting down at least one class.
Some of the demonstrators wore masks and used a megaphone siren to create such a din that a class in UQAM's J.-A. DeSève pavilion was forced to clear out.
As students came out of the class, demonstrators loudly chanted "Scab! Scab!"
Security guards monitored the situation but did not intervene.
No police were present.
Once the class was cleared the demonstrators left abruptly.
The demonstration came as l'UQAM administrators face increasing pressure to do more to stop such disruptions.
Judge renews UQAM injunction until July 21
A judge renewed the court injunction barring anyone from blocking access to buildings at the University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM).
Quebec Superior Court Judge Martin Castonguay approved the injunction, which will remain in effect until July 21.
The administration's attempt to restore order on campus comes after a tense week that saw masked protesters disrupt classes, barricade themselves inside a building, and face off with Montreal police.
- UQAM students barricade themselves inside university building
- UQAM professors push for renewed dialogue between admin, students
Castonguay was critical of how the university handled student protesters.
He said the administration should have responded more quickly to stop students who disobeyed the injunction.
"It's not acceptable that masked people entered the university. You have the necessary legal tool to protect the rights of those who wish to continue their studies," he said in court on Monday.
Also on Monday, about 200 UQAM professors released a letter condemning their union for supporting the demonstrators.