Toronto police end encampment at York University

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Toronto police say they made one arrest Thursday while clearing the anti-Israel encampment set up on York University grounds.

The encampment was set up in the early hours of Wednesday in the Harry W. Arthurs Common area of the Keele campus, near the York University subway station. 

The university said it served a notice of trespass Thursday morning to those who set up the encampment and requested police assistance “to ensure the safety of all concerned.”

“They were informed by the Community Safety team that any unauthorized use of campus grounds is a violation of university policies and that encampments or occupations are not permitted,” the administration’s said in a statement.

While about 40 protesters “left as directed,” one person returned and was arrested for trespassing, Toronto police said. 

Video shared on social media showed more than a dozen police officers attempting to remove protesters from the encampment.

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In a statement posted on social media, however, protesters say the encampment was “violently cleared” without warning or opportunity to talk with administrators.

The statement said demonstrators continue to demand that the university disclose and divest from any investments in companies profiting from Israel’s offensive in Gaza, among other things.

“York’s campuses must be accessible for all community members and visitors – the Common is intended for use as a space for study, work, and leisure,” the university statement said.

“York’s Community Safety team is clearing the site of equipment so that it may be returned to its intended use as soon as possible,” the statement added.

The university said it would release a statement later Thursday “responding to the concerns that motivated the encampments.”

Kevin Vuong, independent MP for Spadina-Fort York, thanked the police “for taking quick action” and said University of Toronto should follow suit and shut down its campus encampment.

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“This is what @UofT should have done & can still do,” Vuong wrote. “I’ve never said this before as a UofT alumnus, but time to follow York’s lead,” he added.

The encampment at University of Toronto was erected in early May.

Last week, police said trespassing law did not give them the authority to clear an encampment at the University of Toronto, adding they would only do so in an emergency or to enforce a court order.

Police spokesperson Stephanie Sayer said the timing and circumstances at each university are different, and the force must assess every situation before determining what authority it has under the law.

She noted the U of T encampment was established on May 2 and a trespass notice wasn’t issued until more than three weeks later.

“As time went on, the protesters at the University of Toronto were provided accommodations (such as providing portable toilets and washroom access) and grew in size,” she said.

U of T is seeking an injunction to allow police to clear the site. A hearing is expected this month at the earliest.

Campus encampment organizers in Canada have demanded universities cut ties with groups connected to Israel. 

Jewish groups have denounced the encampments as antisemitic and unsafe for students.

National Post, with additional reporting by The Canadian Press

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