Encampment protestors respond to UW motions to address demands

Representatives of the pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Waterloo responded to Monday’s announcement of three motions that the school believes address their demands.

At a windy press-conference outside the encampment, the representatives cheered the school’s commitment to fully disclose all investments and holdings in a comprehensive annual report. However, they were quick to point out the other two motions fell short of meeting their demands.

The UW senate approved motions, addressing disclosures, creating a task force to guide partnerships with institutions that live up to “University of Waterloo values” and to create a task force ensuring future investments uphold Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors.

Following the announcement, Nick Manning, Associate VP, Communications at UW told CityNews: “We’ve been very clear, we believe these are fair, reasonable and appropriate actions that address the concerns our community has been raising for a very long time. The university respects everybody’s right to express themselves and exercise that right as they see fit, but we encourage the encampment to end their presence.”

The protestors feel differently.

They said the last two motions fail to make concrete commitments to divesting from institutions and companies with ties to the Israeli military and the war in Gaza.

One encampment representative said the university was engaging in delay tactics by failing to make a solid commitment to divestment. They went on to say the protest will continue until the university makes that commitment.

Until then, they aren’t going anywhere.