September 13 (8:50 AM) - Update on September 12, 2024 protest activities
On September 12, 2024, McGill security received reports of the entry to a few classes being blocked briefly by small groups of masked protestors. As a result, some of these classes were cancelled.
McGill security responded quickly to the scenes, and any protestors who were still on site left after security personnel arrived.
As well, at approximately 1 p.m., a protest gathered in front of the Arts Building and moved off campus within 45 minutes.
Obstruction to accessing classrooms is completely unacceptable. This is not an allowable form of protest or expression and assembly. It directly targeted students and student learning, disrupted university activities and violated University policies. We are investigating the matter and any members of the university community who can be identified will be subject to disciplinary proceedings.
-- Rapid Response Group, Emergency Operations Centre
September 3 (10:55 AM) - Update on August 30 protest
Freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are fundamental guarantees protected by the Canadian and Quebec Charters. McGill extends wide protection to these freedoms and will move to intervene only when their exercise crosses the boundaries of the law and the University’s policies. The University is also committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive campus climate.
On August 30, a protest took place on McGill’s downtown campus. Social media accounts had issued a callout to McGill, Concordia and CEGEP students to join what was billed as a “student walkout.”
The University was prepared for this event, with added security in place and consultation with police ahead of time, ready to act if matters became violent or obstructed our activities.
The protest started at approximately 1 p.m. in front of the James Administration Building and lasted approximately 2.5 hours. At its height, there were about 200 protesters on campus.
Around 2 p.m. the protest moved inside the Macdonald Engineering Building for approximately 10 minutes. There were reports that protesters may have walked into a class or classes to ask students to join the protest. This did not incite further participation in the protest. When protesters exited the building, some began tearing up the sod on the lower main field at about 2:50 pm. Police were immediately called and responded within minutes, causing protesters to disperse. Police made no arrests.
The McGill grounds team worked swiftly and repaired the damage to lower field by 3:30 p.m. The team also promptly removed chalked slogans left by protesters outside of the James Administration Building.
Protests that are peaceful, lawful and abide by McGill policies are a legitimate part of campus life. The overwhelming majority of McGillians take seriously and uphold their responsibilities to foster a university environment in which all can thrive.
From the information we currently have, last Friday’s protest and associated activities did not cross the bounds of law or policy until two things occurred:
- Entry into one of our academic buildings and disruption – even if short-lived – of a class in progress. This was an interruption of our academic activities which is not acceptable, and McGill denounces this act;
- Vandalism to the campus field. Vandalism is not a legitimate exercise of one’s freedom of expression. McGill condemns such acts unequivocally.
The University is investigating these two incidents. Identified members of the McGill community who participated will be subject to a disciplinary process.
-- Rapid Response Group, Emergency Operations Centre
August 1 (1:30 PM) - Reopening of downtown lower campus
Dear McGill community members,
We write today to announce the reopening of our downtown lower campus on Monday, August 5.
As of August 5
- Campus opening hours have been extended:
- Weekdays (beginning Monday, August 5): 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Weekends (beginning Saturday, August 10): 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle access will be restored as usual.
- McGill ID will no longer be required to enter the lower campus.
- All classes will take place in their usual locations, and on their usual schedules.
- All buildings will return to their regular opening hours, and libraries will return to their usual schedules.
- Some faculty, students and staff may need to conduct university business on campus outside of opening hours. They may do so, but must carry their McGill ID card and may be asked to present it.
Weekend of August 3-4
Current measures will remain in place on the weekend of August 3-4:
Lower campus access
- Lower campus opening hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- McGill ID (or access letter signed by a Dean, Unit head, or Director of Administration) required.
- Pedestrian/cyclist access: Milton, Roddick, and McTavish Gates.
- Vehicle access: Milton Gates.
Building access
- Building entrances within the lower field area are open as usual.
- Entrances to these buildings from city streets remain locked.
- Libraries in the lower campus area will open as per their regular operating hours, but will close no later than 5:30 p.m.
We understand that this phased reopening has posed significant challenges for some of our community members, and we truly regret these unavoidable impacts. We are grateful for the collaboration and understanding you have shown during this challenging period.
Sincerely,
-- McGill University Emergency Operations Centre
July 25 (11:10 AM) - Gradual reopening of campus continues
The phased reopening of our downtown campus is proceeding well, with access restrictions further easing next week. This gradual approach aims to stabilize our environment during the relatively quiet summer period. We envisage a return to an open campus by Fall orientation.
We remain thankful for your collaboration and understanding.
Lower campus access
- McGill ID or letter (signed by a Dean, Unit head, or Director of Administration) required.
- Lower campus will be open:
- This weekend (July 27-28): 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Next week (July 29-August 2): 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Pedestrian/cyclist access: Milton, Roddick, and McTavish Gates.
- Vehicle access: Milton Gates.
Building access
- Building entrances within the lower field areas, including library entrances, will reopen as usual.
- Entrances to these buildings from city streets remain locked.
- The James Administration Building will remain on card access.
- Libraries in the lower campus area will open as per their regular operating hours, but will close no later than 5:30 p.m. on the weekend and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Classes
- In-person classes will return to their usual locations in buildings on the lower campus. (See Minerva class schedules for details.) Please ensure you bring your McGill ID so that you may access the lower campus.
We expect to send our next update on Thursday, August 1.
Thank you,
-- McGill University Emergency Operations Centre
July 18 (6:15 PM) - Gradual reopening of campus continues
The downtown campus continues to reopen gradually as planned, with our priority work focused on ensuring the continuity of academic activities.
We understand that this phased reopening is causing complications for some, and we are working closely with Faculties and Units to ease these impacts. While these measures are necessary for the time being, we do not envision them to be long-lasting. Our goal is to stabilize our environment during this relatively quiet summer period, with the aim of reopening progressively in the coming weeks and returning to a fully open campus by the fall. Present limitations on access are providing the space needed to allow the small group of individuals who have been working diligently over the last weeks and months on campus safety and climate to regroup and plan for the months ahead. We ask for and deeply appreciate your collaboration and understanding during this challenging period.
Beginning next Monday, you will see that we are easing restrictions on lower campus, notably by increasing access points and by ensuring that all students have access to the affected libraries.
What follows is detailed access information for July 20-26:
Access to lower campus
A. ACCESS POINTS (ENTRY/EXIT) TO LOWER CAMPUS
Weekend: Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21
McGill ID is required to access lower campus.
There are two access points:
- McTavish – pedestrians, cyclists
- Milton – motorized vehicles
Entry access from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; exit access from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Workweek: Monday, July 22 to Friday July 26, inclusive
McGill ID is required to access lower campus
There will now be three access points:
- McTavish Entrance – pedestrians, cyclists
- Milton Gates – pedestrians, cyclists, motorized vehicles
- Roddick Gates – pedestrians, cyclists
Entry access from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; exit access from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
B. ACCESS TO BUILDINGS SURROUNDING LOWER CAMPUS
The affected buildings on lower campus are:
- Burnside Hall
- Dawson Hall
- Ferrier
- Frank Dawson Adams
- James Administration
- Leacock
- Macdonald Engineering
- Macdonald Harrington
- McCall MacBain Arts
- McConnell Engineering
- Morrice Hall
- Otto Maass
- Pulp & Paper
- Redpath Hall
- Redpath Museum
See section C, below, for information on libraries.
Weekend: Saturday July 20 and Sunday –July 21
Buildings listed above are on card access from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Workweek: Monday July 22 to Friday July 26, inclusive
Buildings listed above are on card access from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For buildings on card access:
- Building users who have permission can swipe with McGill ID to enter.
- Graduate students and research assistance needing building access can request it through their Chair or Director.
C. ACCESS TO LIBRARIES ON LOWER CAMPUS
July 20-21
All libraries are closed.
July 22-26
The following libraries on lower campus are open to all students with a McGill ID card:
- McLennan-Redpath Library Complex (Humanities and Social Sciences Library, Rare Books and Special Collections, and McGill University Archives): Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Islamic Studies Library (in Morrice Hall): Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering: Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
D. CLASSES IN BUILDINGS ON LOWER CAMPUS
July 20-26
Classes are relocated – see Minerva class schedule for locations.
July 15 (4:05 PM) - Gradual reopening of campus continues
Lower campus is gradually reopening; detailed information for the period of Tuesday, July 16 to Friday, July 19, is available below.
We are proceeding with caution, in light of ongoing risks of additional property damage or new occupations. As well, work to decontaminate the lower field was delayed by wet conditions and therefore is only expected to be completed by this Tuesday.
We understand that the dismantlement and restricted access to some buildings have been disruptive for many of you; however, the steps taken have been necessary.
Lower campus and surrounding buildings
For those who need to access the buildings surrounding lower campus between Tuesday, July 16 and Friday, July 19, please note:
1) Buildings surrounding lower campus are on card access between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Starting 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, buildings that had been closed will change to card access. Card access means that members of the community who normally can use their McGill ID to access buildings during quiet hours can enter.
The buildings on card access are: Burnside Hall, Dawson Hall, Ferrier, Frank Dawson Adams, James Administration, Leacock, Macdonald Engineering, Macdonald Harrington, McCall MacBain Arts, McConnell Engineering, McLennan Library, Morrice Hall, Otto Maass, Pulp & Paper, Redpath Hall, Redpath Library, Redpath Museum, Schulich Library.
As is usual practice when buildings are on card access, we ask that you do not let others into the building but invite them to swipe their McGill ID after you have entered.
Please note that students needing in-person services from Service Point should contact those offices directly.
2) Lower campus is accessible via two access points, which should be used for entry and exit between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Members of the community arriving on foot or bicycle must access lower campus through the McTavish Gates, between Morrice and Redpath Halls off McTavish Street.
- Vehicular access is through the Milton Gates at University and Milton.
As the campus remains closed to the general public, security personnel will check your McGill ID before allowing access so please ensure that you have your McGill ID card. You must exit the buildings and campus by 6 p.m. through one of these two access points.
The Roddick Gates remain closed for the moment.
3) In-person classes normally held in buildings on card access will be moved to other locations on the downtown campus.
Enrolment Services staff has contacted departments who have in-person classes scheduled in the buildings listed above (section A.1) to provide the new location. The new location is also viewable in the Minerva class schedule.
4) Staff should return to campus as per their normal working routines.
Staff who are working in the buildings listed above (section A.1) should return to their normal work practices, including working in person as they normally would.
5) Please consult the Library website for information on user services.
The McLennan-Redpath Library Complex, Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Engineering and the Islamic Studies Library are closed to users. Other libraries on campus are open. The McGill Libraries website will post information shortly about user services, including book pick up.
Open buildings
All other downtown buildings, including daycares, will be open on their regular schedules. Staff in those open buildings should return to their normal work practices, including working in person as they normally would.
We remain grateful for your continued patience and understanding during this challenging period.
July 12 (12:15 PM) - Downtown campus remains partially closed through Monday
We continue to work toward a safe and gradual return to regular activities on the downtown campus. Again, as this process will take some time, we remain grateful for your continued patience and understanding during this challenging period.
To help ensure the safety of our community, buildings closed today, July 12, will remain closed through at least the evening of Monday, July 15.
Closed buildings
The following buildings remain closed: Burnside Hall, Dawson Hall, Ferrier, Frank Dawson Adams, James Administration, Leacock, Macdonald Engineering, Macdonald Harrington, McCall MacBain Arts, McConnell Engineering, McLennan Library, Morrice Hall, Otto Maass, Pulp & Paper, Redpath Hall, Redpath Library, Redpath Museum, Schulich Library.
This means:
Students:
- Those who would normally access these buildings must stay home.
- Classes typically held in these buildings will move online. We ask instructors to please notify their students immediately.
Faculty and staff:
- Those who can perform their duties remotely must work from home.
- Those who cannot perform their duties remotely must stay home and will be paid as usual.
- If there is urgent reason for you to be present on campus (e.g. animals requiring immediate care, research that will be lost without immediate intervention, etc.), contact your supervisor.
Open buildings
Other downtown buildings, including daycares, will be open on their regular schedules. Nonetheless, we ask staff in these buildings who can perform their duties remotely to work from home.
We expect to send our next update on Monday, July 15.
July 11 (6:45 PM) - Downtown campus remains partially open
Following the dismantlement of the lower field encampment, we are working toward a safe and gradual return to usual activities on the downtown campus. As this process will take some time, we thank you for your patience and understanding.
To help ensure the continued safety of our community, buildings closed today will remain closed Friday, July 12.
Closed buildings
The following buildings remain closed: Burnside Hall, Dawson Hall, Ferrier, Frank Dawson Adams, James Administration, Leacock, Macdonald Engineering, Macdonald Harrington, McCall MacBain Arts, McConnell Engineering, McLennan Library, Morrice Hall, Otto Maass, Pulp & Paper, Redpath Hall, Redpath Library, Redpath Museum, Schulich Library.
This means:
Students:
- Those who would normally access these buildings must stay home.
- Classes typically held in these buildings will move online. We ask instructors to please notify their students immediately.
Faculty and staff:
- Those who can perform their duties remotely must work from home.
- Those who cannot perform their duties remotely must stay home and will be paid as usual.
- If you absolutely must come to campus, contact your supervisor.
Open buildings
Other downtown buildings, including daycares, will be open.
Nonetheless, we ask staff who can perform their duties remotely to work from home tomorrow.
July 10 (4:45 PM) - Dismantlement complete
The encampment has been dismantled.
Due to current weather conditions, the clean-up at the site will continue tomorrow, as will the excavation and replacement of contaminated soil on the site.
To help ensure the continued safety of our community, part of the downtown campus will remain closed tomorrow.
Closed buildings
The following buildings remain closed tomorrow:
- Burnside Hall
- Dawson Hall
- Ferrier
- Frank Dawson Adams
- James Administration
- Leacock
- Macdonald Engineering
- Macdonald Harrington
- McCall MacBain Arts
- McConnell Engineering
- McLennan Library
- Morrice Hall
- Otto Maass
- Pulp & Paper
- Redpath Hall
- Redpath Library
- Redpath Museum
- Schulich Library
This means:
Students:
- Those who would normally access these buildings must stay home.
- Classes typically held in these buildings will move online. We ask instructors to please notify their students immediately.
Faculty and staff:
- Those who can perform their duties remotely must work from home.
- Those who cannot perform their duties remotely must stay home and will be paid as usual.
- If you absolutely must come to campus, contact your supervisor.
Open buildings
All other downtown buildings, including daycares, will be open tomorrow.
Nonetheless, we ask staff who can perform their duties remotely to work from home tomorrow.
July 10 (1:15 PM) - Dismantlement continuing as planned
The dismantlement of the encampment is proceeding as planned, and largely complete.
Due to the presence of human waste, a rat infestation, discarded syringes, a large amount of rotting food and garbage, and other potentially dangerous and unsanitary conditions within the site, it was necessary to use heavy machinery to remove parts of the camp for the safety of all involved.
For the same reasons, it will be necessary to excavate and replace a layer of contaminated soil on the site.
The downtown campus (including all McGill buildings, outdoor areas, rented properties, etc.) remains closed today and this evening.
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
July 10 (10:07 AM) - Encampment dismantlement proceeding peacefully
Between 4:46 and 7:42 a.m., individuals in the encampment were advised three times that they would be escorted off campus if they did not leave of their own accord. Of the approximately 35 people at the site, almost all have chosen to leave. Individuals were given the opportunity to remove their personal belongings as they departed.
The dismantlement process is currently proceeding peacefully. A careful search of the site is underway, to ensure that no other individuals or dangerous materials remain. Steel fencing encircling the site will now be removed. Montreal police are present to ensure the safety of all.
The Downtown Campus remains closed for the day.
Further updates will follow.
July 10 (6:15 AM) - Downtown Campus closed: Please avoid the area
As members of the McGill community are aware, the University has been subject to ongoing and escalating acts of violence and vandalism associated with the encampment, up to and including criminal acts on campus last weekend.
The encampment is the site of profound health and safety risks that continue to grow in scope and severity. To protect the security of the McGill community and the integrity of our property, the encampment on the lower field of the downtown campus is being dismantled. Security personnel and Montreal police (SPVM) are on site.
As a result, McGill’s downtown campus is closed today, July 10, 2024. Everyone should stay away from the downtown campus. All events, summer programs and activities are cancelled for today.
We regret the considerable inconvenience that this necessary step will cause for many members of our community.
Please read the following information carefully:
- Students should not come to the downtown campus.
- Classes typically held on the downtown campus will move online for today. We ask instructors to please notify their students immediately.
- Libraries are closed.
- Faculty and staff who work on the downtown campus should stay home
- Staff who can perform their duties remotely should work from home.
- Staff who cannot perform their duties remotely should stay home and will be paid as usual.
- We will be in contact with supervisors whose staff may need to be on campus for essential services. If you do not hear from your supervisor, please do not come to campus.
- Daycares on campus are closed.
- The campus is closed to the public.
Again, we regret the disruption caused by this operation. We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.