Students set up a pro-Palestine encampment at VIU

In a statement from the Students for Palestine Committee states that they are demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Palestine. Photo: Lauryn Mackenzie / CHLY 101.7fm

Students from Vancouver Island University (VIU) have set up a pro-Palestine camp at VIU’s Nanaimo campus.

On Wednesday, May 1 students in solidarity with Palestinians, set up tarps and tents outside the university’s library. 

CHLY reached out to students involved with the encampment and was told that at this time they are not willing to speak with the media. Instead, CHLY was directed to a statement issued earlier that day outlining their demands.

In the statement, the Students for Palestine Committee states that they are demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Palestine. 

They are calling on VIU to make a statement against the genocide and to start an investigation into a bag search incident that occurred on March 7th of this year.

They are calling for the closure of the campus Starbucks, and for VIU to disclose all investment information.

They also state that VIU must develop a safety action plan for Palestinian students and any students participating in the movement for justice in Palestine, They state that the school must commit to not implementing any disciplinary action against students exercising their right to protest.

The committee is inviting students, faculty, alumni and community members to join in the demonstration and is encouraging those who do to stay as long as possible.

A statement sent to CHLY from Vancouver Island University said the university “respects the right of everyone to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.” It reads that the actions “must always be taken with respect for others and within the boundaries of university rules and law.”

It said “The safety of all members of our campus community is paramount. Any actions that create a health and safety risk, impede, or disrupt the university community (students, faculty, and staff) from continuing learning, research, work, and other activities on campus, or create any issues of safety and security, will be taken very seriously.”

In the statement, it said the university is monitoring the situation and is in contact with the local RCMP.

This encampment comes on the same day one starts at the University of Victoria, and follows several encampments starting in universities across the country and in the United States.

CHLY will be following the story as it develops.

Funding Note: This story was produced with funding support from the Local Journalism Initiative, administered by the Community Radio Fund of Canada.