Protesters will defend the University of Toronto camp in Ontario court today

TORONTO — Lawyers for a pro-Palestinian protest camp at the University of Toronto are set to present their case in an Ontario court today as the university seeks an injunction to clean up the weeks-long demonstration.

The hearing began Wednesday with lawyers for the university arguing that the protesters have taken control of private property and are restricting community access to the area known as King’s College Circle.

They said many in the community reported feeling unsafe or unwelcome on campus as a result of the protest and that the encampment had caused irreparable harm.

In documents filed earlier this week, attorneys for the protesters say the school’s claims of irreparable harm are based on mischaracterizations of the camp as violent and anti-Semitic.

They also argue that the discomfort of those who disagree with the protest does not override their protected rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.

The camp was established on May 2. The university issued a notice of violation weeks later and filed its request for an injunction shortly thereafter.

The school is asking the court to authorize police action to remove protesters who refuse to leave and prohibit protesters from blocking access to university property or erecting fences, tents or other structures on campus.

Camp representatives said they would not leave until the school agreed to their demands, which include disclosure and divestment from investments in companies profiting from Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

Both sides met to try to negotiate an out-of-court settlement. The protesters said their latest offer was rejected on Tuesday, while the university said on Wednesday it had yet to receive a response to its counteroffer.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 20, 2024.

The Canadian Press