University of Waterloo seeks injunction to end 7-week encampment

The University of Waterloo's administrationhas started legal proceedings to seek an injunction to end the on-campus encampment by protesters that began May 13.

The Occupy UWaterloo encampment islocated on a grassy area beside the Grad House. The group says it wants theuniversity to divest of any company that supports Israel as the war against Hamas in Gaza continues.

The university issued a legal trespass notice to encampment memberson Friday, after the school had issued a formal notice on May 23 telling them to end the protest.

"Unfortunately, the encampment remains in place in violation of Waterloo policies, and the law," university president Vivek Goel said in a statement on the school's website Tuesday.

Goel's statement says administration knows taking this step "will continue to make some on campus feel uncomfortable."

But, he added, the university will continue to uphold the right to free expression under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and as laid out in a report from the school's own task force on freedom of expression and inclusive engagement.

"We have said repeatedly ... the right to protest does not mean people have the right to endlessly occupy a shared university space," Goel's statement said. "The behaviour of encampment members has crossed the line to intimidation and harassment making their ongoing presence untenable."

Group won't comment on legal issue

Occupy UWaterloo spokespersonNick Joseph told CBC News on Tuesday the group won'tcomment on the legal proceedings.

Last week, Joseph said the trespass notice issued to the group was "absolutely nonsensical" andit "will not influence our decisions moving forward whatsoever."

While encampments at other universities have ended, including atMcMaster Universityin Hamilton, others continue.

The University of Toronto isin themidst of seeking a court injunctionto clear an encampment, while McGill University in Montreal has saidit will no longer negotiate withprotesters, thatacademic amnesty is off the table and the school isplanning disciplinary action.