Dear U of G students, faculty and staff,
I’m writing today to confirm the encampment has voluntarily disbanded and vacated U of G property. We are pleased there has been a peaceful end to the encampment and welcome the restoration of Branion Plaza as a space that can be used by our entire community.
The University supports the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest. However, the encampment fell outside of this right as it exclusively occupied a shared campus space for an indefinite period of time and denied access to others. With the encampment now concluded, we are committed to the work of restoring our campus to a welcoming environment where everyone can study, work and live. We know differing points of view exist within our own campus community and we will look for opportunities to foster healing and repair connections among community members.
As you are aware, members of the former encampment previously submitted a petition to the University requesting divestment. This petition, submitted in accordance with the Special Action Policy, triggered the Board of Governors process to strike an ad-hoc committee to review the concerns raised in the petition regarding the management of the endowment portfolio. We are moving through the process outlined in the Policy, which is well underway.
In addition, we are moving forward on actions that we discussed with the encampment which are aligned with our mission and our role as an institution of higher learning.
The Israel-Hamas conflict continues to cause tremendous harm and suffering. This war and the resulting humanitarian crisis also continue to be divisive within our community. U of G is grappling with increasing reports of antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia. We remain focused on responding to these concerns and building upon our supports and resources for our community members.
As we look ahead to the start of a new academic year, I ask that we all strive for constructive dialogue and action as we continue to navigate this complex global conflict. I also encourage you to make use of the support and resources available should you need them.
Students support:
- Student Wellness Navigators – for on-campus mental health support
- GuardMe – 24/7 mental health support for International and ELP students
- Multi-Faith Resource Team. faith@uoguelph.ca or 519-824-4120 Ext. 58909
- International student advisors. international.student.advisor@uoguelph.ca
Faculty and staff support:
- Employee and Family Assistance Program. 1-800-265-8310
- Responding to Students in Distress – a guide for addressing students in distress or who may need mental health support.
- A Guide for Staff & Faculty: Steps to Supporting a Colleague in Distress – a guide for staff and faculty for supporting a colleague in distress.
Kind regards,
Dr. Charlotte A.B. Yates
President and Vice-Chancellor
Visit the statements page for previous updates on the encampment.