BREAKING: Pro-Palestine walkout participants occupy executive floor of Jorgenson Hall

By Anastasia Blosser, Mitchell Fox & Jake MacAndrew

Demonstrators calling for the disclosure of Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) financial holdings stood outside the university’s executive offices on Tuesday during the school’s Board of Governors (BoG) meeting.

Approximately 10 people stood outside the glass entrance to the offices on the 13th floor of Jorgenson Hall where two TMU security officers were positioned. The demonstrators used megaphones to chant calls for action and address BoG members directly, including TMU President Mohamed Lachemi and Provost and Vice-President, Academic Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano. 

Tuesday’s BoG meeting was held virtually. No one was visible inside the executive office while the demonstrators were present. 

Participants demanded the protection of Palestinian students and their allies and the full disclosure of TMU’s investments and ties related to the State of Israel. The group is calling for policy changes to “keep TMU accountable to its agreements and stated values and ethical investment policies,” according to physical documents obtained by The Eyeopener.

At the same time, a pro-Palestine student walkout organized by various student groups, including Students for Justice in Palestine at TMU, began at the steps of the Sheldon & Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre at 1 p.m. Student Strike for Palestine was also present. 

Approximately an hour later, walkout organizers announced other students were attempting to enter the executive offices but were blocked by security. They then marched up Nelson Mandela Walk and assembled in front of Jorgenson Hall.

The demonstrators from the 13th floor then joined the walkout participants inside the entrance of Jorgenson Hall. The group then walked across the building and into the lower level of the library before dispersing.

The Eye reached out to the university for comment but have not received a response. This is a developing story and will be updated once the school responds.