Ontario universities warn student activists encampments will not be tolerated [Video]

Two Ontario universities are warning anyone planning to follow the lead of pro-Palestinian student activists in the U.S. and elsewhere in Canada that setting up encampments on campus will not be tolerated.

The University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa say they understand tensions are high, many people are feeling anxious due to the scale of suffering in the Middle East and peaceful protests are central to campus and democratic life.

But the universities say they have clear policies that state the use of their facilities without proper authorization can carry serious consequences and protests need to be organized within the limits of university policies and the law.

“U of T’s lands and buildings are private property, though the university allows wide public access to them for authorized activities,” Sandy Welsh, vice-provost of students, wrote in an email sent out to the student community on Sunday.

“Unauthorized activities such as encampments or the occupation of university buildings are …