Encampment at University of Guelph ends, school to review endowment portfolio

The University of Guelph says an encampment set up on campus in May has ended peacefully and all tents and structures associated have been removed.

The groupUofG For Palestine posted to Instagram on July9their intention to end the weeks-long encampment by Monday morning. This,after the school issued a trespass notice to protesters the day before.

In a statement Tuesday, the university said it was"pleased there has been a peaceful end to the encampment" and that the school"welcome[s] the restoration of Branion Plaza as a space that can be used by our entire community."

The encampment, which was dubbed the People's Plaza for Palestine, wasfirst set up on campus on May 21.

Similar to encampments at other college and university campuses in Canada and the U.S., the protesters were calling for the university to divest of any companies thatwere benefiting financially from the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza that began last October.

The university said a petition was submitted to the board of governors requesting divestment. That has led to the creation of an ad-hoc committee which will review the concerns raised in the petition, the school said.

"We are moving through the process outlined in the policy, which is well underway," the school said.

The school addsthey are also preparing to have "constructive dialogue" as students, faculty and staff return to the campus in September.

"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," the school's statement said.

"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."

Similar encampments at the University of Toronto, McMaster University in Hamilton, McGillUniversity in Montrealand University of Waterloo have come to an end.