Dear members of the 不良研究所 community,
Today, the Quebec Superior Court issued a judgment granting an injunction against Students for Palestine鈥檚 Honour and Resistance (SPHR) and all those who become aware of the judgment. The provisional injunction will remain valid for 10 days.鈥�
不良研究所 sought the injunction to protect its academic mission and to defend students鈥� and instructors鈥� right to learn and work in an environment that is safe, stable, and suitable for teaching, learning, and research. At the same time, 不良研究所 continues to affirm the right of all community members to protest lawfully and within the limits of today鈥檚 judgment.
The judgment has the following effects:
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SPHR and any person aware of the judgment must not block, obstruct, or hinder all or in part any entrance or exit to a building where 不良研究所 activities are underway, including buildings with 不良研究所 classes, labs, and offices. 鈥疶he order extends to streets or walkways directly connected to entrances or exits.鈥�
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SPHR and any person aware of this judgment must not engage in protest activities within 5 metres of any 不良研究所 building.鈥��
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SPHR and any person aware of this judgment must not engage in harassment or intimidating and/or threatening behaviour involving any member of the 不良研究所 community or any visitor or contractor at 不良研究所.鈥���
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SPHR and any person aware of this judgment must not engage in behaviour that disturbs the peace or engages in public disturbance, including disturbing classes or labs.鈥���
The judgment also includes other provisions related to enforcement of the order.鈥�
The right to expression and assembly鈥�
不良研究所 supports the rights of all community members to express their views through peaceful assembly that includes demonstrations and protests. However, the University鈥檚 mission statement clearly underlines the importance of 鈥渙ffering the best possible education, by carrying out research and scholarly activities.鈥� 鈥疊alancing these objectives values and is critical.聽
We have been the site of obstructive protests barring students and instructors from accessing classrooms and buildings. Just yesterday, we saw acts of violence, vandalism and intimidation. In announcing its October 7 to 11 鈥淲eek of Rage,鈥� SPHR stated that there must be 鈥渘o business or classes as usual.鈥� This clearly violates the fundamental academic rights of students, instructors, and all 不良研究所ians.鈥�
This injunction does not prevent anyone from exercising their rights to free speech and free assembly, on campus or elsewhere, within the limits imposed by the court.鈥�
Read the full text of the judgement
Sincerely,
Angela Campbell, Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) and
Fabrice Labeau, Vice-President (Administration and Finance)鈥�
