Yes, all tents, structures, equipment, personal belongings and other components of the encampment are to be removed within 48 hours.
The agreement specifies the signatories may not set up another encampment within a specified timeframe.
We are pleased that the goal of a mutually beneficial resolution was achieved. We value the students' input and their dedication to raising awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. These agreements reflect their concerns while focusing on the University’s commitment to combating all forms of identity-based discrimination, enhancing student services, and adhering to our responsible investment policy.
No, the agreements align with the University’s ongoing actions and commitments to combat identity-based violence and discrimination, including support for those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Additionally, the enhancements to investment review practices and strategies are consistent with the University’s responsible investment policy and responsibilities as a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment. As well, they are consistent with other existing University practices and agreements.
The agreements underwent third-party review and discussion by the Board of Governors Executive Committee and were presented to the Board at an information session. The agreements align with the University’s longstanding commitment to combatting all forms of identity-based violence and discrimination.
Although not identical, they are aligned and reflect the same fundamental values and principles.
No. The agreement provides for the implementation of a consultative process to allow University of Windsor community members to raise questions or concerns about the University’s investments, including pooled investments, proposals for divestment, and responsible investment policies. Any decisions about the University’s investment managers or specific investments held are made by the Board’s investment committee.
The purpose of the University’s investments is to generate income to advance our mission-related objectives. They are not political instruments and should not be seen as a means of exercising political or social power. The University is committed to enhancing the consultative processes surrounding its Responsible Investing Policy.
The University agreed to an annual responsible investing report, disclosing all public companies held in indirect, direct and pooled funds held in its Pension Fund, Endowment Fund and Working Capital Fund. This approach is in keeping with the practices of many other universities in the sector, including the University of Toronto and Queen’s University.
The Board has been routinely apprised of the situation and the status of negotiations. The Board’s executive committee reviewed the agreements, and Board members were made aware of the agreements prior to public release. As the agreements focus on operational matters, they do not require Board approval. If any aspect of an agreement leads to future actions that may necessitate review or decision-making from the Board or Senate, the matters will be overseen by the appropriate governing body and/or committee, which will manage the process.
Such agreements do not require Senate approval, as they are operational. However, if any part of the agreement leads to future actions that may necessitate review or decision-making from Senate, the matters will be overseen by the appropriate Senate committee or entire governing body.
No, the agreements do not prevent or restrict individual academics or groups of academics from seeking academic or research collaborations. The University has agreed to implement an approval mechanism for institutional partnerships through Senate. A forthcoming review process will ensure that institutional partnerships comply with scholarly principles, including respecting academic freedom and upholding human rights and anti-racism. Upon completion, this process will be submitted through the appropriate channels before implementation.
No. The Auditor General of Ontario in its 2022 audit of the University highlighted that all institutional agreements should be approved by Senate. The University is implementing this new process for the Fall 2024 semester.
The agreements call for the University to issue a public statement reaffirming its commitment to opposing and condemning violations of fundamental human rights worldwide.
The University reaffirmed its commitment to providing racial-trauma-informed counselling to all students and a range of supports to students affected by global conflicts and humanitarian crises.
The University is engaged with its Jewish student population. Senior administration has had the opportunity to meet with the Jewish Students Association on many occasions over the last several years. In April, the President declared at the Board of Governors that antisemitism training would be mandatory for all Board governors and senior members of the administration, along with other identity-based racism training. The University is fully committed to launching a suite of antisemitism resources on its upcoming anti-oppression website. Earlier this Spring, the University recruited a Jewish student support advisor. In the coming weeks, the University hopes to draft a similar agreement with our Jewish community for enhanced student supports and/or policy revisions to ensure Jewish students are supported.
The University of Windsor, guided by our strategic plan Aspire, is dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to ensuring student voices and aspirations are heard. We uphold freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. Our campus must be a space for respectful expression of diverse viewpoints, even when challenging or contentious. Civil discourse, irrespective of political, religious, moral, or ethical perspectives, is fundamental to fostering understanding and collaboration. Our commitment to these principles is reflected in our discussions with the students involved in the encampment.
Each university is unique, requiring institutional and context-specific negotiations. A mutually agreed resolution is always preferable to one imposed by an outside decision maker. The University of Windsor, guided by our strategic plan Aspire, is dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to ensuring student voices and aspirations are heard. The agreements align with Aspire and the University's ongoing efforts for combatting all forms of identity-based violence and discrimination. As well, the UWSA, representing more than 10,000 students, and the Windsor University Faculty Association put forward motions for discussion and action. We believe negotiations yield better long-term outcomes.
The University supports all individuals’ right to self-determination, which refers to the right of people to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. This includes the ability to establish their own governance and policies without external interference, in line with international principles of human rights and sovereignty. The right to Palestinian self-determination is widely recognized, including by the government of Canada and the United Nations.
That information sheet was part of the planning/preparation process for Aspire, the University’s strategic plan. During the discussions with the students, it was noted that it is no longer current. New resources are being developed.
The University of Windsor community comprises individuals from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The University is steadfast in its commitment to maintaining an environment where everyone can express their viewpoints and feel safe, respected, and valued. As such, it is critically important that the University avoids adopting institutional stances on intricate political or global issues that fall beyond its immediate purview of education, research, and scholarship.
The agreement acknowledges statements by the United Nations that relate to Israel and the occupation of Palestinian territory. However, this does not mean that the University has agreed to be guided by these statements alone. A negotiated settlement with one group will tend to focus on the views and concerns of that group, but this does not mean that the University is not entitled to take many other viewpoints into account in its decision making.
The agreements are just one part of a broader framework for addressing all forms of identity-based discrimination, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. They do not encompass the University's entire comprehensive plan. Similar to labour negotiations, these agreements pertain specifically to the parties involved and do not preclude the creation of other agreements between the University and additional student groups.
No, the University is committed to upholding the two separate agreements reached with the University of Windsor Student Alliance (UWSA) and the students involved in the campus encampment. Furthermore, we are taking steps to learn from Jewish students, faculty and staff, and members of the Jewish community as the first step in developing and formalizing an agreement regarding concrete commitments.
Yes, we are in the process of formalizing our dialogue with Jewish students and the Jewish community. During the past several months, we have engaged in numerous discussions with individual students and student groups from Jewish, Palestinian, and Muslim communities, among others, as well as various affiliated organizations and individuals. We are now focussing on developing agreements that outline tangible actions and strategies to support and address the needs of Jewish students and the broader Jewish community.
The University of Windsor community comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and views and differing opinions, including on global issues and conflicts. It is important to emphasize that each agreement is part of the University's comprehensive plan to address all forms of identity-based violence and discrimination. During the past several months, we have engaged in extensive discussions with individual students and student groups from various communities, including Jewish, Palestinian, and Muslim, as well as with numerous affiliated organizations and individuals. The agreements reached and those currently in formation stem from these diverse conversations, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and equity for all members of our community.
The University is publicly declaring its support for Jewish students and the Jewish community to reinforce its commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all students. Recently, University leaders have engaged with government officials, including representatives from the Minister of Colleges and Universities’ Office and Andrew Dowie, MPP Windsor-Tecumseh, to enhance dialogue with the Jewish community. We know there is much work to do in building trust and relationships with Jewish community members and are grateful for the advice and guidance of community and student organizations as we advance that work. Today's announcement underscores the University's intent to formalize these dialogues and develop agreements that outline tangible actions and strategies, particularly in light of other agreements reached recently with the UWSA and students involved in the encampment.