TORONTO (CUP) – York University’s Hillel and Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights groups are free to organize events on campus, as a temporary suspension of club privileges has been lifted as of Monday this week.
Both groups were notified that their suspension would be lifted following an investigation by the administration into activities that took place two weeks ago when pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrations clashed in the Vari Hall rotunda, a popular meeting place for students.
“We are very pleased that the suspension has been lifted,” said Hillel president Jordie Saperia. He said the weeklong suspension resulted in the cancellation of social, cultural and religious programs.
“Everything was pretty much shut down,” said Saperia.
SPHR member Liisa Schofield said their group is happy the suspension has been lifted but maintains that it should have never been placed.
“The suspension already established that the university is taking steps to squash political activities on campus,” said Schofield.
University administration felt the suspension was necessary while it investigated the March 16 actions of the groups. As of Feb. 1, the administration no longer allowed club events to take place in Vari Hall.
“From the university’s point of view, particularly as exams approach, we must ensure that academic activities of York community members come first,” reads a statement released by the administration. “We will not allow approximately 100 demonstrators to prevent the 55,000 members of the York community from going about their academic lives in a safe and secure environment.”
The administration also warned both groups that any future infractions will result in disciplinary proceedings.
