Statement about encampment on the UVic campus
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Statement from President Hall
On May 10, I provided an update to the university community regarding the encampment that was set up at the University of Victoria on May 1. The active threat that occurred yesterday at First Peoples House has prompted me to write again.
As has been shared numerous times, the university supports peaceful demonstrations and the right to freedom of expression. We are committed to ensuring our university is a space where we can all effectively engage with complex issues — this is fundamental to our role as an institution of higher learning.
The university also recognizes the right and expectation of students, faculty, staff and visitors to go about their activities at the university in an environment that is free of threats to their physical security. I am concerned that the persistent presence, scale and prominence of the encampment at the university is attracting additional challenges to our campus.
Over the last week, we have seen an increasing number of complaints related to unacceptable incidents and behaviours. Some are acts of harassment and intimidation, while others are illegal, destructive and dangerous. Examples include:
- Last week, we shared that members of the encampment had been physically assaulted. At the time, the encampment members chose not to press charges because they didn’t want to identify themselves to Campus Security or police. This prevented the individual from being arrested and charged. The university has since presented the individual with a trespass notice, which prevents them from returning to campus.
- Spreading misinformation such as accusations that the university has set up surveillance cameras on the roof of the Mearns Centre for Learning – McPherson Library. As I have shared earlier, we have not.
- As groups of young high-school students are being led on tours of the university, profanity and other disturbing phrases are being yelled at them from the encampment.
- We are seeing increasing acts of vandalism. Signage, walkways and now buildings are being spray-painted, relaying messages consistent with those put forth by members of the encampment. This is causing concern for employees in these spaces.
- We are experiencing a significant increase in unauthorized after-hours access to buildings by members of the encampment. This is occurring after buildings are locked in the evening. This past weekend, members of the encampment were witnessed riding bikes through the first floor of the McPherson Library.
Of greatest concern, on Monday night, an individual set up a tent next to First Peoples House. This occurred after numerous public calls from the encampment for members of the local community to come join them. The individual was showing signs of substance use that led to the need for a medical response from Campus Security and emergency first responders. This response was hindered because of interventions from members of the encampment. As a result, the university initiated the steps necessary to have the individual removed from campus.
Yesterday, an individual matching the description of the person from the previous night went into First Peoples House and threatened people in the building with a knife. This was an active threat that resulted in a significant Saanich Police response.
We are grateful to members of Campus Security and to Saanich Police for their quick and professional response. While some may not like the presence of security, emergency services and police on campus, many in our community welcome and need their support. We appreciate their efforts to keep our community safe and supported.
While we are grateful for the quick and significant response by Saanich Police, we recognize that a significant police presence in First Peoples House, a sacred space on our campus, can be troubling.
Our hearts go out to members of the Indigenous community at UVic and others who were directly affected and threatened by this individual’s actions. The affected staff members are being supported and First Peoples House will be closed for the remainder of the week in order to do the necessary cultural work to cleanse the space. This closure further impacts members of the Indigenous community who rely on the services provided through First Peoples House at a time when that support is critically needed.
We know the encampment includes UVic students and is supported by some staff and faculty. We also know that many others are not members of the university community. Campus activism is part of a university experience for many students. Acts of hate, discrimination, property damage and actual or perceived threats of violence are not. It is incredibly irresponsible for encampment organizers to encourage other members of the community who are not affiliated with the university to occupy parts of our campus.
The university has maintained a calm and measured approach to the encampment, and we have been consistent in signalling our intention to continue to do so while it remains peaceful. I am concerned that these recent activities are challenging people’s sense of physical safety and security and have potential to silence the complex and difficult conversations that we should be having. These activities have been perpetrated or enabled by members of the encampment. These same members have been unwilling to engage in a productive dialogue with the university or to participate in processes intended to address some of the topics they advocate for, such as responsible investing.
Let me be very clear that while we have not sanctioned students, staff or faculty based on their participation in the encampment, those who damage property, threaten individuals, harass, hinder or prevent people from going about their business, or violate other applicable university policies, will be sanctioned under the relevant policies of the university. People committing illegal acts can be arrested and banned from campus.
The university is prepared to take necessary steps to protect the safety of all members of the university community.
The university continues to welcome dialogue towards a conclusion of the encampment.
I want to end by reminding everyone to treat each other with respect, patience and empathy. We are all doing our best during very difficult times.
Sincerely,
Kevin Hall
President and Vice-Chancellor
Concerns & frequently asked questions (FAQs)
We've heard many questions and concerns from our community since the encampment was established on May 1. We have developed a series of FAQs and will continue to add to these as necessary.
Please reach out to encampment@uvic.ca for:
- questions or concerns about how this encampment might impact you
- additional questions not listed in the FAQs
Supports for all
- If you feel you have experienced personal harassment or discrimination, please contact the Equity and Human Rights office.
- Campus Security: uvic.ca/security or 250-721-7599
- The Multifaith Centre is a space on campus open and available to all students, staff and faculty. Our team includes Anglican, Bahà'í, Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic, Christian Science, Jewish, Lutheran, Muslim, Presbyterian, Unitarian and United representatives.
Students
Download a list of student resources and supports
- SupportConnect is a confidential mental health support service available free of cost to UVic students. Through this resource, you can be connected with qualified counsellors, consultants and life coaches anytime, anywhere.
- Toll-free (calls from North America): 1-844-773-1427
- International collect calls: 1-250-999-7621
- Student Wellness Centre offers holistic wellness support for UVic students, including mental health and spiritual care
- Students can connect one-on-one with a spiritual care provider. Please call us at 250-721-8338 or email us to book an appointment.
- Find information on seeking an academic concession or speak with your instructor.
Staff & faculty
- UVic’s Employee and Family Assistance Program offers confidential counselling and referral services.
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Keywords: administrative, student life, community
