McGill files injunction against pro-Palestinian student group following protest

Paint is splattered on the administration building at McGill University after a protest. (CTV News)

McGill University has filed an application for a provisional injunction against a pro-Palestinian student group, seeking to protect the rights of students and staff from threat, obstruction and harassment, according to the university.

In a message sent to students and staff last week, McGill President and Vice-Chancellor Deep Saini said that the university was seeking the injunction against Students for Palestinian Honour and Resistance (SPHR) because of the group’s involvement in classroom obstruction and vandalism during a three-day student strike from April 2 to 4.

“With student exams beginning next week, McGill is asking the court to prohibit protestors from intimidating or harassing people trying to enter McGill buildings or classrooms, from obstructing academic activities, or from obstructing access to buildings,” Saini said in the message.

“The university also requested that protestors remain five metres away from buildings used for its operations, whether on or off campus.”

Saini emphasized that university protests by students is not only permissible but important when conducted within reasonable limits.

Additionally, he said McGill wants to uphold freedom of expression and peaceful assembly while also protecting the rights of students to continue their studies without obstruction.

CTV News contacted SPHR for comment but did not hear back by the time of publication.

On Monday, the university also announced that it would be cutting ties with its student union, the Students’ Society of McGill University, following the three-day protest. Mediation between both parties should begin in the next two weeks, according to McGill Interim Deputy Provost Angela Campbell.