An Ontario judge has ruled in favor of the University of Toronto, granting an injunction to clear a pro-Palestinian encampment from the downtown campus. The decision, issued on Tuesday, stated that the encampment has hindered the university’s ability to control the area known as King’s College Circle. The judge deemed the harm to the university from allowing the encampment to remain as greater than the harm to the protesters if it is dismantled, highlighting that protesters can still demonstrate in other ways.
The university had applied for the injunction after protesters ignored a trespass notice and deadline to leave. The school requested the court’s authorization to use police action to remove protesters who refuse to comply, and to prohibit protesters from blocking access to university property or setting up structures on campus. The protesters had established the camp on May 2 and pledged to stay until the school meets their demands, which include disclosing and divesting from investments in companies profiting from Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
Global’s Sean O’Shea reported on the developments of the court ruling. The verdict has sparked discussions within the community about the balance between freedom of speech and the university’s control over its premises. Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing situation.
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Video “Ontario judge grants UofT injunction to clear pro-Palestinian encampment from downtown campus” was uploaded on 07/03/2024 to Youtube Channel Global News