Update to Community – Protest Activity and Settlement Proposal

Dear VIU community,

We wanted to acknowledge we have received open letters from various community groups expressing concerns related to the ongoing encampment and we are working tirelessly to address the needs of our diverse VIU community. Please know that your feedback is not only welcomed but helps shape our continued efforts. As always, the safety and security of our campus community, including those participating in the encampment, remains our top priority and we are committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all.

To that end, we wanted to provide an update to the VIU community on recent protest activity, and the ongoing dialogue with the Students for Palestine Committee and the Palestine Solidarity Encampment (PSE). 

VIU remains committed to supporting peaceful protests on campus. However, last week VIU experienced two protest activities that have significantly impacted those involved. These activities included the breach of the Provost's office on Tuesday and protesters taking over the Campus Store during the final convocation ceremony on Thursday. These incidents represent serious escalations that undermine the safety and well-being of our students and employees. VIU will not tolerate actions that violate university policies, disrupt the safety and security of our students and employees, or infringe upon private and secure areas. Such behaviours are unacceptable and will be met with decisive measures, including the involvement of law enforcement if necessary. 

We are eager to find a resolution that will end the encampment at VIU. We prepared and submitted a settlement proposal to the Students for Palestine Committee earlier today. The goal of this proposal is to find a mutually agreeable solution to bring a peaceful end to the encampment at VIU.

This settlement proposal represents our dedication to addressing this situation through open communication and collaboration, and by developing meaningful and responsive actions to the demands of the PSE. It is our hope that this proposal will serve as a foundation for constructive dialogue and positive outcomes. We look forward to engaging with the PSE to progress in a manner that reflects our shared values and commitment to our community.

We will continue to update the campus community accordingly. 

Regards,

Dr. Michael Quinn, Provost & VP Academic

Carolyn Russell, Vice President, Students

Emily Huner, CFO & VP Administration