Statement about encampment on the UVic campus

Update regarding the encampment and recent disruptions on campus

Dear UVic community,

As you may recall, we met with People’s Park UVic on Friday afternoon. We left that meeting with a feeling of cautious optimism. We had hoped that we were embarking on a positive way forward together. Unfortunately, since that meeting, the actions of encampment members have demonstrated an unwillingness to work with the university towards a peaceful resolution.

We have said from the beginning that the university supports peaceful, safe and lawful protest and the right to freedom of expression; however, acts of vandalism, harassment and intimidation in any form cannot—and will not—be tolerated.

Since Friday, members of the encampment have engaged in intimidating behaviour and disrupted operations at our campus Starbucks twice and disrupted high-school graduation ceremonies at the Jamie Cassels Centre.

These actions have made many members of the university and broader community feel unsafe. For this reason, we do not feel that constructive and productive conversations with People’s Park UVic are possible or in the best interest of our broader campus community at this time.

We know that many individuals in the encampment are also members of the campus community and have expressed their passionate beliefs about the atrocities happening in Gaza. We join them in calling for an urgent cessation of violence against all civilians. However, these beliefs do not give anyone permission to commit acts of vandalism or infringe on the rights of others on our campus. Anyone engaging in these activities will be held accountable and the university is prepared to take necessary steps to protect the safety of all members of the university community.

To this end, we sent a letter to People’s Park UVic today requiring members of the encampment to immediately refrain from all acts of vandalism, intimidation and harassment, along with demonstrations or activities that disrupt campus operations. We are awaiting confirmation in writing of their agreement to cease these activities before we consider re-engaging in any form of discussion.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Croft, Vice-President Academic and Provost
Kristi Simpson, Vice-President Finance and Operations

View previous updates

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.