Queen’s reaffirms protest guidelines a week after a Senate meeting was interrupted by glitter-wielding protestors.
When protestors stormed into the Sept. 26 Senate meeting to advocate for issues surrounding colonialism, master funding cuts, and divestment from arms manufacturing companies one of the individuals threw glitter at Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Matthew Evans.
READ MORE: Glitter thrown at Provost Evans during Senate protest
In response to this incident, the Queen’s Gazette released an article announcing Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane has decided to move all Senate meetings online for the rest of the calendar year. According to the University, the decision was made due to the disruption caused during the Senate meeting.
READ MORE: Glitter thrown at Provost Evans during Senate protest
“Recently a group of protesters undertook an aggressive interruption of Senate that ended with an altercation initiated by a protester with a member of Senate. That same week there were break-and-enters at Richardson Hall and Grant Hall. This type of behaviour, in making of our community feel threatened and unsafe, is unacceptable to the University,” the Gazette wrote.
In the Gazette, the University said they “peaceful protests provided they comply with applicable University policies.” The policies include eight guidelines, such as prohibiting any form of violence or “excessive noise.” Disruptive noises that interferes with Queen’s activities or negatively impacts those in residences aren’t permitted. Additionally, blocking doorways, roadways, or in any way restricting the entrance or exit of any Queen’s space isn’t allowed.
The University also addressed intimidation and harassment, stating impeding others’ basic rights is prohibited. They highlighted the health and safety risks involved, noting that any actions threatening the physical safety of individuals aren’t permitted.
“Queen’s is committed to fostering a climate that encourages free speech and expression on campus and exposure to differing points of view through civil and respectful discourse, including peaceful protest. Hate and discrimination have no place on our campus,” the Gazette stated.
To round out the guidelines, the University added any discrimination using chants or signs that attack other individuals based on age, race, sex, or other categories listed in the Ontario Human Rights Code isn’t permitted.
Not adhering to their policies could result in both legal and academic repercussions, including expulsion, the University stated.
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