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Pro-Palestinian students also have been unfairly targeted by campus security, student union says.
Author of the article:
Jesse Feith • Montreal Gazette
Published Nov 01, 2024 • Last updated 16 hours ago • 3 minute read
Montreal police and Concordia security guards examine graffiti after a protest held on June 3, 2024. During a news conference on Friday, November 1, 2024, student representatives from Concordia University expressed their demands for the institution to take a definitive stance against the presence of police on campus, citing recent incidents where the security team reportedly focused on pro-Palestinian students during demonstrations.
Students at Concordia University are vigorously urging the administration to implement a policy prohibiting police officers from entering campus grounds, particularly following a series of controversial arrests during student-led protests advocating for this very cause.
This press conference took place shortly after two students were apprehended on Thursday during a protest aimed at removing police presence from campus. The demonstrators articulated their concerns about the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists by security personnel.
“Our students have been arrested, detained, and even physically brutalized while conducting non-violent political demonstrations,” stated Danna Ballantyne, a representative of the Concordia Student Union.
The protest was marked by heightened emotions, especially after reports indicated that a student was physically tackled by campus security before being forcefully arrested by police. In addition, the student union has raised concerns about three arrests made in late September, following a pro-Palestinian walkout that occurred on campus.
Ballantyne emphasized the need for a safe learning environment, saying, “We deserve to come to campus to learn and have open dialogue without fearing for our safety.”
In response to these allegations, a university spokesperson clarified that police are only summoned when deemed necessary and in accordance with established school policies. Fiona Downey, the spokesperson, wrote that “Our (security) agents are trained in de-escalation, and that is always the primary objective of their response.”
She further noted that the events from the previous day are unfortunate but regarded as situations where police intervention was warranted, revealing that a security agent had sustained minor injuries during the incident.
The Montreal Police Department has refrained from commenting publicly on the recent arrests or the accusations of excessive force due to ongoing criminal proceedings, stating that individuals who feel wronged during police interventions can file complaints. According to spokesperson Caroline Labelle, “SPVM police officers will go to Concordia University campus when an event requires police intervention, at the request of its security service.”
Vanessa Massot, the academic and advocacy coordinator for the student union, recounted that in a vote held back in 2020, Concordia students had already expressed their desire to pressure the administration to restrict police presence on campus. However, recent events concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict have intensified discussions surrounding this issue, with Massot stating that their attempts to engage with the university have yielded “nothing but inaction.”
Joining the student body at the rally was Concordia professor Norma Rantisi, who argued that students should be applauded for their engagement in social movements and the pursuit of justice rather than being met with suppression.
Rantisi highlighted the university’s esteemed history of student activism, pointing out that the presence of police can provoke strong emotional responses. “We must reclaim our university,” she proclaimed, “as a genuinely public and nurturing space that inspires, rather than suppresses, the exchange of knowledge and vigorous debate on the most pressing issues of our time.”
In September, Concordia president Graham Carr denounced the disruptive protests occurring on campus and the vandalism associated with some of these demonstrations. He expressed concern over the “violent escalation” of actions taken during these protests, including instances where university windows were smashed or defaced shortly after the aforementioned walk-out arrests.
“Whatever political or ideological differences exist between us,” Carr emphasized, “we have a larger collective responsibility to maintain a climate of respect — one free from hate and intimidation — on our campuses.”
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**Interview with Danna Ballantyne, Concordia Student Union Representative**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Danna. Can you share your perspective on the recent protest at Concordia University regarding the presence of police on campus?
**Danna Ballantyne:** Thank you for having me. The protest was a strong response to what we see as an ongoing issue at Concordia, particularly regarding the treatment of student activists, especially those advocating for pro-Palestinian causes. Our goal is to create a safe space for open dialogue and peaceful activism without the threat of police presence looming over us.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that students have faced arrests and even physical altercations during protests. Can you elaborate on those experiences?
**Danna Ballantyne:** Absolutely. In our recent protests, some students were arrested under circumstances that many believe were unjustified. For instance, one student was reportedly tackled by campus security and then arrested, highlighting the aggressive measures being employed against non-violent demonstrators. Students are feeling unsafe, and it’s crucial that we address this to foster a supportive learning environment.
**Interviewer:** How has the administration responded to your concerns regarding police presence?
**Danna Ballantyne:** We have expressed our grievances repeatedly, and while the university acknowledges our concerns, the response has been largely inadequate. There’s a clear disconnect between the student body’s wishes and the administration’s actions. Many of us voted for restricting police presence back in 2020, but recent events have shown that our concerns have not been prioritized.
**Interviewer:** Fiona Downey, the university spokesperson, mentioned that their security agents are trained in de-escalation and that police are only called when absolutely necessary. What are your thoughts on that?
**Danna Ballantyne:** While I understand the emphasis they put on de-escalation, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Many students have experienced violence and physical aggression from security personnel. It feels like our voices are not being truly heard or respected, and we need a reliable mechanism to address grievances regarding how security responds during demonstrations.
**Interviewer:** What’s next for the student union in terms of your advocacy efforts on this issue?
**Danna Ballantyne:** We intend to continue organizing protests and raising awareness about the need for a police-free campus. Our immediate goal is to hold the administration accountable and to push for policies that prioritize student safety and free speech. We believe that students should be able to freely express their views without the fear of criminalization or intimidation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Danna, for sharing your thoughts and the concerns of the student body. It’s an important discussion that deserves attention.
**Danna Ballantyne:** Thank you for giving us a platform to voice our concerns. We appreciate your support in bringing this issue to light.
