By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Students at the Université de Sherbrooke will participate in a two-day strike starting Nov. 21 demanding the institution divest from companies allegedly profiting from or contributing to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The movement has gained traction across multiple student associations and includes planned demonstrations, including a march to MP Élisabeth Brière’s office.
The strike, organized by the Université de Sherbrooke’s General Association of Science Students (AGES) alongside other student groups, builds on momentum from earlier actions this year. “This is the second strike for this cause,” explained Benjamin Gagné, AGES interim coordinator, in a recent interview. “In May, we struck for a day to support the pro-Palestinian encampment on campus and demand transparency from the university.”
The upcoming strike escalates those efforts. Three major student associations, including AGES, the Humanities Students’ Association (AEMDHUS), and the Education and Physical Education Students’ Association (AGEEFEUS), have voted to strike on Nov. 21 to 22. Other associations, such as AGEFLESH and AGEMDEUS, are also considering similar actions. Gagné estimates this could mobilize upwards of 50,000 students across campus.
At the heart of the protest is a demand for the university to disclose its investment portfolio and divest from companies linked to the conflict in Gaza. “One major concern is CAE Inc., a defence company with significant investments in the Middle East. They train pilots and develop technology for military purposes,” said Gagné. “Students have a right to know where their tuition dollars are going.”
According to a press release from AGES, the university has resisted calls for transparency. “It would be easy for them to prove they are not supporting harmful activities, but their lack of openness raises questions,” the release noted. AGES plans to increase pressure through continued activism if the university does not respond to their demands.
Community involvement
Solidarity Sherbrooke-Palestine, a local advocacy group, is also playing a key role in coordinating activities, according to a related email. A large-scale march is planned for Nov. 21 at 2 p.m., beginning at the university and concluding at the office of Sherbrooke MP Élisabeth Brière. Organizers are calling for Canada to adopt stricter measures, including a bilateral arms embargo with Israel, sanctions, and the withdrawal of charitable status for organizations supporting the conflict.
The group’s email invitation emphasizes urgency: “It’s high time our representatives act decisively.” Activities during the strike will include educational events, documentary screenings, and discussions to raise awareness about the issue.
Faculty response and on-campus impact
While the strike is supported by student associations, faculty members have been instructed to continue teaching. “Professors have been told to show up for their classes, but they will be informed about the strike through on-site notifications,” AGES stated. Students participating in the strike plan to exercise their right to disrupt classes peacefully.
The decision to cancel social events, such as AGES’ weekly 5@8 on Nov. 21, reflects the group’s commitment to the gravity of the issue. “Hosting a celebratory event during a protest against violence contradicts our values,” the press release affirmed.
Broader implications
The student movement at Université de Sherbrooke mirrors a growing global trend of universities facing scrutiny over their financial ties to controversial industries. “We’re seeing horrors across the planet, and universities are being shown to have investments in corporations that perpetuate these horrors,” said Gagné. “We’re just asking our institution to ensure it’s not complicit.”
Looking ahead, Gagné suggested the possibility of more strikes or actions in the winter semester if the administration remains unresponsive. “This is about accountability,” he added. “We contribute tens of thousands of dollars to this university, and we have the right to know where that money is going.”
Replying to a request for comment, Université de Sherbrooke media representative Isabelle Huard, in an email, acknowledged that some student associations have voted in favor of the strike. Teaching activities will proceed normally on all campuses, except for those faculties affected by the strike, she explained, adding the Université de Sherbrooke has no comment to make on this subject.
For more information about strike-related activities, readers can visit the social media pages of participating organizations.
The strike underscores the increasing role of student activism in shaping university policies. With thousands of students poised to participate, all eyes will be on the Université de Sherbrooke as the movement unfolds.