Concordia 'forced' to close downtown Montreal campus amid 'threat of extreme disruption'

Concordia University has been “forced” to close its downtown Montreal campus on Tuesday amid “threats of extreme disruption,” says its president and vice-chancellor.

Graham Carr said the decision came after two people were arrested on Monday “following the disruption of a class and midterm exam,” in an email sent to the “Concordia community” and obtained by National Post.

“One of those arrested was later discovered to be in possession of a metal bar and several incendiary devices. Neither of these individuals are members of the Concordia community,” he said.

“With hundreds of protesters from other universities and cégeps (public educational institutions in Quebec) expected — as well as counter protesters not linked to the university planning to gather outside our downtown campus this afternoon — the threat of extreme disruption is simply too high to operate as usual.”

Montreal police confirmed to National Post that two people were arrested on Concordia’s campus. According to spokesperson Raphaël Bergeron, one was arrested for mischief and the other for assault of a security guard.

Carr said the decision to close the Sir George Williams campus came with “profound sadness.”

“Acts of intimidation and violence have no place in our society, and particularly not in institutions that centre around teaching and learning,” he said. “I am sure the vast majority of you are fed up with the behaviour and disrespect some exhibit toward the university. But the safety of our community is paramount.”

A notice about the closure was also issued by the university’s communications services on Tuesday, saying the in-person classes would be cancelled. “Faculty and staff who normally work on the SGW Campus are asked to work remotely, if possible,” it said.

The closure comes on Oct. 7, the two-year anniversary of when Hamas terrorists murdered 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 251 hostages. The attack sparked an ongoing war in the Middle East, with anti-Israel protests raging around the world, including in Canada and on Canadian campuses.

“In the last two years, we have seen protests on campus but have never been forced to enact such preventive measures,” Carr said on Tuesday.

• Canadian Oct. 7 'martyrs' events panned for glorifying terrorism
• Interview with Norman Spector: 'The war has been transplanted into Canada'

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