By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The University of Sherbrooke (UdeS) has recently come under fire for its handling of a pro-Palestinian camp set up on its main campus. The controversy has drawn responses from various university officials and student groups, highlighting issues of equity, security, and freedom of expression.

The camp, which had been present since May, was established by students advocating for the university to take a stand on the Palestinian conflict. Despite initial tolerance from the university, tensions rose over the group’s continued presence and their failure to adhere to university regulations.

On July 2, the university notified the camp members that regulatory adjustments had been made, requiring the removal of tarps and wooden structures and the return of any university-owned equipment. The university reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for messages inciting hate. However, the camp members did not comply with these directives.

“To maintain a space of equity, security, and respectful dialogue on our campus, we had to act,” stated Professor Pierre Cossette, Rector of UdeS, in a recent release. On July 4, a team removed university-owned materials and dismantled the non-compliant structures and signage. “We respect our community members’ right to defend causes they believe in, but we must preserve an equitable and safe environment for all,” Cossette added.

In a recent communication to the university community, Cossette emphasized the university’s commitment to impartiality and maintaining academic freedom. “The latest demands from the protesters, received on July 1, did not advance discussions. These demands contradict our mission, which requires rigorous impartiality and the maintenance of academic freedom,” he explained.

The camp members’ demands include the university taking a position on whether a genocide is occurring in Palestine and condemning federal and provincial governments’ investments. Despite the university’s openness, maintaining 14 commitments, including accelerated admission processes and scholarship programs for Palestinian students, the administration stressed that certain demands could not be met.

“The university remains sensitive to the suffering of community members affected by the Gaza conflict and supports an immediate ceasefire and rapid resolution,” Cossette affirmed.

The university’s actions have sparked criticism from student associations. On July 8, the Federation of University of Sherbrooke Students (FEUS) and the Graduate Student Association (REMDUS) condemned the university’s strategy to end negotiations and resort to what they describe as repression.

Gabriel Lemelin, External Affairs Coordinator for FEUS, criticized the university’s actions: “The university, which has recognized the right to freedom of expression throughout the conflict, cannot just change its stance and act arbitrarily. Students, who partly fund the institution, have the right to express themselves. This right is protected by the Charters, and no court has validated the dismantling of the camp in this manner.”

Nicolas Dionne, Director of Political and External Affairs for REMDUS, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the camp remained peaceful and compliant with directives. “The actions of the university’s security service not only broke the protesters’ materials but also illegally seized items belonging to camp members and other organizations. Such actions were unjustifiable and regrettable, especially since discussion should have been the strategy used.”

In response to the university’s actions, FEUS and REMDUS called for a “Sit-In” on July 10 at the main campus to protest what they see as a violation of rights. “We want to signal to the university administration that rights cannot be violated. The rector’s concern for the university’s image is actually tarnished by these actions,” said Lemelin in the release.

As the situation unfolds, the university’s administration remains firm in its stance, while student groups continue to advocate for dialogue and what they consider respect for freedom of expression. The coming days are likely to see further developments as both sides seek a resolution to the ongoing dispute.