Pro-Palestinian encampment coming to the University of Manitoba next week
A pro-Palestinian encampment is expected to be set up at the University of Manitoba next week, in light of similar protests across Canada and the United States.
According to online posts, the encampment will take place at the U of M’s Fort Garry campus quad in Winnipeg from May 7 to 9, running from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day.
The three-day event will be hosted by U of M students advocating for justice in Palestine in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Organizers are asking participants to stand together “in solidarity with land defenders globally.”
The planned encampment at the U of M is part of a growing movement across post-secondary campuses in North America, with some resulting in violent clashes between protesters, counter-protesters and police. The rallies initially began at Columbia University in New York in response to Israel’s retaliation following a deadly attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.
According to the social media posts, the encampment at the U of M is not open to the general public and only students who attend the university are allowed to participate.
The group’s demands include implementing safety measures for all Palestinian students to protect them against harassment, as well as allowing students to engage in activities supporting Palestine “without fear of unwarranted academic or legal consequences.”
Organizers are also calling on the university to “join the global academic boycott of Israeli institutions complicit in violations of human rights,” and cease any operations and exchange programs with Hebrew University of Jerusalem, as it is “located in a highly contested area.”
Other demands include:
- Divesting from companies “that are verifiably complicit in the oppression and discriminatory policies against Palestinians”
- Discontinuing the “Arab Israeli Conflict” course, since it is “structured in a manner that perpetuates a biased narrative and glaringly omits comprehensive Palestinian viewpoints”
- Issuing a public statement of support for Palestinian rights
- Terminating university-sponsored Birthright trips to Israel
In a statement to CTV News, the university said it is aware of next week’s planned encampment.
“UM supports academic freedom, the rights of our entire campus community to engage in freedom of expression and the right to assemble and protest, in accordance with university policies and the law,” the statement reads.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and Jewish Federation of Winnipeg issued its own statement on the matter, saying both organizations are working with U of M, as well as the Winnipeg Police Service “to ensure the safety of Jewish students on campus.” They will also be monitoring any incidents of antisemitism and hate speech.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Adding just 10% ultraprocessed foods to healthy diets may raise risk of cognitive decline, stroke
Eating more ultraprocessed foods is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke, even if a person is trying to adhere to a Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet or the MIND diet, a new study found.
Nine killed in Mexico stage collapse at campaign event
A stage collapsed at a Mexican election campaign rally on Wednesday, killing nine people and injuring dozens as high winds tore apart the large, concert-style structure, scattering politicians and attendees.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston, Ont.
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
Bangkok hospital says most seriously injured from turbulence-hit flight need spinal operations
Many of the more seriously injured people who were on the Singapore Airlines flight that hit severe turbulence need operations on their spines, a Bangkok hospital said Thursday.
NEW AI helping to identify undiagnosed genetic disorders in children
Researchers have developed the world's first algorithm powered by artificial intelligence to identify children with undiagnosed rare genetic disorders.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
How does this end? With Hamas holding firm and fighting back in Gaza, Israel faces only bad options
Diminished but not deterred, Hamas is still putting up a fight after seven brutal months of war with Israel, regrouping in some of the hardest-hit areas in northern Gaza and resuming rocket attacks into nearby Israeli communities.
Majority of Canadians plan to stay close to home on this year's summer vacation, survey finds
A new survey found a majority of Canadian respondents plan to stay within the country on their next trip amidst high costs of living.