I am writing to provide an update on the encampment in front of Tabaret Hall.
Last night, the demonstrators left the campus. The site is currently in a deplorable state, and our teams will soon start cleaning it up and restoring it to its normal state. We condemn the acts of vandalism committed by the demonstrators before leaving the site, which add to the already considerable damage around Tabaret since the encampment was set up and continue to generate huge costs for the University. The Ottawa Police Service is onsite to assess the situation, including the damage.
Over the past two months, we have managed the risks around the unauthorized encampment on University property while maintaining an open dialogue with student organizers in good faith to find peaceful ways to end it. We put forward a number of serious proposals to address their concerns and support those displaced by the war. Despite the many constructive conversations we had, the organizers showed no willingness to make concessions. Instead, they responded by escalating their tactics, including more graffiti and physical aggression directed toward our staff.
We have stated many times that the values of academic freedom and freedom of expression are foundational to our mission, and we will continue to uphold them. However, the illegal occupation of spaces is not freedom of expression, as the Superior Court of Ontario has recently ruled. Neither is setting up fences around the encampment, nor restricting access to only those who agree with organizers. These are simply violations of others’ right to use those spaces.
That being said, we have heard the protestors’ message. We fully acknowledge the pain caused by the violence unfolding in the Middle East since October of last year. That pain is indeed felt by many members of our community. We also know that the tensions that the conflict is causing on our campus and in our society will persist. It is important that we prepare for the new academic year in a spirit of respect and openness, to ensure that every member of our community feels safe and secure, so that they can thrive.
Support services are still available for all members of our community. I strongly encourage you to use them if you feel the need.
Jacques Frémont
President and Vice-Chancellor