University of Calgary Encampment Leads to Police Response
On May 9, an encampment was established at the University of Calgary in solidarity with the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The Calgary Student Movement, which led the protest, demanded that the university fully disclose its investments and divest from companies with ties to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The encampment was part of a broader student movement across Canada and the U.S. calling on their schools to do the same.
Campus security called police in response to the encampment, which was considered “trespassing” on university property. Police initially engaged in dialogue with protesters throughout the day. However, as the crowd grew and more tents were erected, it became clear that the protesters intended to establish a long-term camp.
Police tried to further negotiate with protesters but were unsuccessful. At around 9 p.m., they began to clear the camp, using pepper balls and OC grenades to disperse the crowd. Four arrests were made, but no charges were laid.
The University of Calgary has stated that encampments and overnight protests are not permitted on campus due to safety and operational concerns. The students’ union is calling for an independent investigation into the police response and the university’s decision-making.
Additional Details
– The initial call for service to police was made by campus security at around 6:37 a.m. on May 29.
– More than 25 tents were erected by 10:30 a.m., and the crowd grew to around 40 people by 1 p.m.
– Police used around 15 pepper balls and four OC grenades to disperse the protesters.
– The protesters were given the opportunity to leave the encampment between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., but around 30 remained at the site at 11 p.m.
– Police have denied using flash bags in their report.
– The protesters were dispersed by 11:35 p.m.
