University of Toronto tells protestors to leave campus park; Warns faculty

Study in Canada: The demonstrators were given 24 hours to leave the campus park of the University of Toronto. The encampment was established on 2 May and supported by students and faculty.

University of Toronto has told the pro-Palestinian demonstrators to leave the three-week-long protest camp soon. The encampment was set up on 2 May and supported by students and faculty. The protesting students are demanding the university's divestment from companies investing in Israel.

The university President Meric Gertler cited discrimination, lack of inclusion, and harassment as reasons for which the encampment should be removed. 

“From day one, our goal has been to achieve a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the unauthorized encampment … the encampment must end,” said the President, as reported by The Guardian.

Following are the messages circulating on the social media platform:

"There are over 60,000 students at the University of Toronto. There are about 80 people, many of whom are not students, in the encampment. Convocation starts June 3rd. Enough," reads a message.

"Shut it down and if the school refuses to remove an antisemetic encampment they should get no more funding Schools are for ALL Canadians not just the ones palestinians like. Day 1 UoT should have issued a statement that all protesters at the antisemetic protest will be expelled," said another message on X.

The encampment is the largest of its kind in Canada. The protest first started at the Columbia University of the US and then spread to other universities in the US, and next to other countries including UK, Australia, and Canada.

The professors and staff of the University of Toronto were given a warning that if they did not leave the protest, they would face disciplinary measures including termination.

While reacting to this, Jeff Bale, faculty association vice-president, of university and external affairs said, “It is literally unprecedented in the modern era of the relationship between the U of T administration and UTFA that there has been a public threat of mass termination of association members for exercising their academic freedom,” as reported by the globeandmail.

University of Toronto Spring Convocation 2024 to Commence Soon

Ceremonies will be held in person at Convocation Hall from June 3-21, 2024, and will also be livestreamed, stated the university.

"Congratulations on your incredible achievements, graduates! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have led you to this momentous occasion – your convocation ceremony at U of T. As you prepare to walk across the stage at Convocation Hall, we're here to help you celebrate your big day. Stay tuned for updates on where to go on campus, read the latest convocation stories, and grab some U of T swag from the grad shop to showcase your pride. Remember to tag your socials with #UofTGrad24 and join our ever-growing alumni community. Check this hub for more details as we prepare for your convocation," reads the official statement.

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