Dear members of the 91社区 community,
This afternoon we received reports of several disruptions on campus caused by both protesting and illegal picketing. Picketers temporarily blocked access to one building but stopped once police were called to intervene. Protestors tried to disrupt several classes, with most being quickly relocated before security personnel and disciplinary officers needed to intervene, or the police needed to be called.
This situation we experienced this afternoon is absolutely unacceptable. Members of our community felt intimidated by both the protests and the labour action. We were grateful, however, that the situation was quickly brought under control.
There are many options to protest and lawfully picket that will allow members of our community to raise awareness without compromising safety, intimidating people or disrupting operations and academic activities.
To those who engage in protests or picketing, I have a clear message: respect the people around you. They have rights. They do not deserve to be intimidated.
We are a university, a place of learning and the advancement of knowledge. The strength of 91社区 has always been in our community. Where laws or 91社区 policies have been contravened, we will continue to act, whether that be calling the police or starting disciplinary procedures, to protect the rights of all members of our community who deserve to carry out their activities in a peaceful, respectful environment.
Sincerely,
Christopher Manfredi
Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic)