On May 9, Students for Palestine’s Honour and Resistance (SPHR) at McGill hosted a gathering to commemorate the two-year anniversary of Montreal community members establishing the Gaza Solidarity Encampment on McGill’s Lower Field. 743 days later, community members of all ages met for a potluck, arts-and-crafts, and a letter-writing campaign[Read More…]
Tag: student activism
We can’t all be superheroes
One year ago, I wrote an article titled ‘Disruption is the essence of effective protest,’ arguing that radical activism is more effective than catering to the politically neutral, and that fence-sitters aren’t worth engaging with. But after another year spent watching and reporting on student activism, I can see that[Read More…]
Pro-Palestine student activists face legal charges for occupying James Administration Building
On June 7, 2024, 15 McGill students were arrested for occupying the third floor of the James Administration building in protest during the solidarity encampment for Palestine, and 13—referred to as the ‘Palestine 13’— continue to face criminal charges today, with legal fees amounting to $40,000 CAD. Students for Palestine’s[Read More…]
The student empire strikes back
Between Nov. 7 and 14, 28 departments will hold general assemblies (GAs) to vote on strike motions in support of Palestine for the week of Nov. 17. As of Nov. 10, three of the 28 passed a motion to strike. The motions, although independently submitted to each faculty, share four[Read More…]
“Palestine on Campus” screening highlights security crackdown on Montreal student activists
On Sept. 16, The Rover—an independent, reader-funded news outlet in Montreal—hosted a screening and panel discussion to showcase their first-ever documentary, Palestine on Campus, at Collectif MTL’s St. Catherine location. The 30-minute film, created by The Rover’s managing editor Savannah Stewart and producer and videographer Justin Khan, follows the recent[Read More…]
When democracy is detained, Türkiye’s youth stand alone
Some mornings begin with coffee; others begin with the news that a friend from high school is in jail. As an international student, life abroad feels like a dream—until reality hits and helplessness kicks in. Students, journalists, and lawyers are behind bars—and so is Ekrem Imamoglu, Türkiye’s strongest opposition leader.[Read More…]
Student of the Week: Khadijatu-Dimalya Ibrahim
Khadijatu-Dimalya Ibrahim is driven by a simple yet powerful belief: Change starts at home. Before tackling global issues, she prioritizes uplifting and supporting those immediately around her. A U2 student in Software Engineering and Islamic and African Studies, Ibrahim is a source of positivity and kindness, dedicated to leaving a[Read More…]
Social media signalling isn’t enough
In the wake of the U.S. election, my social media feed was flooded with reactions. Old classmates from my New Jersey high school shared Instagram Stories condemning Donald Trump, highlighting allegations against him, and denouncing his voters. These posts were swift and impassioned: An immediate outpouring of anger and grief.[Read More…]
A brief history of student activism at McGill
Students have always been the heartbeat of social and political movements, using their voices to tackle injustices. From civil rights to environmental issues, student activism has been a driving force in shaping reform and revolution. In 1985, McGill became the first Canadian university to divest from businesses with connections to[Read More…]
Student protest is meant to disrupt the status quo
In anticipation of heightened tensions on Oct. 7, the McGill administration preemptively closed campus, silencing student protest and increasing policing. The university moved classes online and required students to show identification at security checkpoints, with some students reporting that they were denied entry into academic buildings despite valid credentials. Fences[Read More…]