Statement in Solidarity
October 4th, 2024
As The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA), we recognize that this statement is long overdue. As your student union, we stand firm in support of students’ rights to peaceful protest and stand behind the important demands made during the recent encampment on campus. We urge The University of Winnipeg administration and the University of Winnipeg Foundation to maintain transparency in its responsible investing practices and financial holdings. We further support the demand for the university to divest from and disclose any investments that are complicit in the ongoing genocide against Palestinians.
With the encampment now concluded, we strongly encourage the administration to continuously protect its students from antisemitism, Islamophobia, oppression, intimidation, and any form of sanction—whether academic or otherwise.
As part of an academic institution, our students’ rights to free expression and protest are fundamental to fostering dialogue and creating meaningful change. These rights empower our students to engage with important issues and shape the future of our campus. We know that these conversations are difficult and sensitive, and we believe deeply in our obligation and ability to support student dialogue in ways that are respectful and inclusive to the entire student and university community.
The UWSA stands in solidarity with all students, regardless of their participation in the encampment. The safety and well-being of every student at The University of Winnipeg is our highest priority, and we want to ensure students know the UWSA is here to support them.
In solidarity,
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association.
