Results for: BDS Movement

On May 9, a protest encampment was established at the University of Calgary in support of the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Campus security called police in response, and officers attempted to negotiate with protesters before dispersing the encampment using pepper balls and OC grenades. Four arrests were made, and no charges were laid. The students’ union is calling for an independent investigation into the police response and the university’s decision-making.

As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, students at an increasing number of U.S. colleges are setting up protest encampments and demanding that their schools stop doing business with Israel or companies that support its military efforts in Gaza. Inspired by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, students are calling for an end to investments and academic partnerships with Israel. They argue that such actions would send a message of support for the Palestinian people and help to end the suffering in Gaza. University officials have expressed concern about some of the protesters’ language, which they say could be interpreted as antisemitic, but they also say they respect the students’ right to protest. However, most have rejected the students’ demands, citing concerns about academic freedom and the need to avoid political pressures on university investments.