Pro-Palestinian protesters say they’ll take down UGuelph encampment by next Monday

Pro-Palestinian protesters who set up camp at the University of Guelph more than a month ago say they will pack up and leave by next Monday.

Pro-Palestinian protesters who set up camp at the University of Guelph more than a month ago say they will pack up and leave by next Monday.

The demonstrators say in a written statement that they will be leaving on their own timeline, which will give them the chance to do so safely and without damaging the camp materials.

They say equipment used at the encampment will be donated to those struggling as a result of the housing crisis.

The announcement comes after the university delivered a trespass notice this Monday and warned that it would take legal action if the protesters stayed put.

The school said it took those steps after the group ignored its request to dismantle the camp by Sunday evening.

The university’s president, Charlotte Yates, says its plans to pursue litigation and an injunction will be on hold as long as the encampment is gone by 9 a.m. next Monday.

“We are extending this deadline as a gesture of good faith that the encampment will disband, not return, and all activities this week and beyond will be lawful and in accordance with university policies,” Yates said in a written statement.

“If these conditions are not met or disruptions to university operations continue, the university will proceed with legal action.”