Officials deem barricades surrounding Queen’s University encampment a fire hazard
Global News
Protesters at a pro-Palestinian encampment at Queen's University are calling for the institution to divest out of investments in Israeli-linked companies.
The barricades erected around a pro-Palestinian encampment at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., have been deemed a safety risk, according to university officials.
Protesters said they erected the barricades on Wednesday night following what they noted were incidents that posed safety concerns from members of the public. They added that the barricades also act as a show to the university, emphasizing their plans to remain until their demands are met.
These demands include wanting the university to completely divest out of its $150-million investment in Israeli-linked companies or companies that support the Israeli military. Demands also include wanting Queen’s to cut ties with and boycott Israeli academic institutions.
Yara Hussein, a student organizer of the group called the Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights Group, said the university is dragging its feet when it comes to meeting such demands.
“None of the students, none of the people would be here in this encampment if the university had met our demands by now. And the longer they don’t meet the demands, the students will continue to occupy… the space that belongs to us,” she said.
University officials met with protestors over the week. In a meeting with the university’s provost on Wednesday, protesters said they were told the institution is looking at their demands and considering next steps.
On Thursday, administrative staff voiced concerns relating to fire safety with Kingston Fire & Rescue, noting that the erected barricades pose a hazard as it blocks emergency lanes.
“Currently, the barricades right are not permitted,” said Ted Posadowski, chief fire prevention officer with Kingston Fire. “What we’re doing right now, between Queen’s and the individuals residing here, (is) trying to determine a solution on what that will look like.”
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