By: Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

McGill University has filed a request with Quebec Superior Court for a provisional injunction against the anti-Israel group Students for Palestinian Honour and Resistance (SPHR), university president Deep Saini announced.

In a message to the McGill community, Saini wrote that the legal step was taken “to protect the rights of students and staff to pursue their studies and work free from threats, obstructions and harassment. The judge heard our request and we are awaiting his ruling.”

The injunction was sought just after a three-day student strike at McGill during which classes were interrupted, Jewish students intimidated and much vandalism committed.

Saini added that with student exams underway, “McGill is asking the Court to prohibit protesters from intimidating or harassing people trying to enter McGill buildings or classrooms, from obstructing academic activities, or from obstructing access to buildings. The university also requested that protesters remain five metres away from buildings used for its operations, whether on or off campus.”

Saini further explained that the injunction request “clearly states that the university considers protest by McGill students and staff, within reasonable limits, to be not only permissible but also important. McGill seeks to uphold freedom of expression and peaceful assembly while protecting the rights of students to continue their academic journey without obstruction.

“The goal of the injunction is to ensure that the integrity and stability of our academic activities are preserved during this critical period of the school year. We are first and foremost a university, and we must focus on our mission and the rights of our students to undertake their academic pursuits in a peaceful environment that supports their well-being and success.” n