MONTREAL/October 31, 2002—
October 31, 2002 - Concordia University announced today that 19 people have been identified for their roles in the violent September 9 disruption of the scheduled speech of former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and related incidents. Of these, 12 are Concordia students. The students will face charges under the University's Code of Rights and Responsibilities as it existed on September 9th. The Code, which is currently being reviewed, provides for a range of sanctions from written reprimand to suspension or expulsion.
A careful, exhaustive and time-consuming study of available videotape footage and other evidence has led to the current set of charges. The investigation is continuing and further charges will be laid as individuals are identified.
Of the 19 people identified, five have already been charged by the police under the Criminal Code of Canada or municipal bylaws. These charges include obstruction of a police officer and illegal assembly. Additional complaints have been filed with the police against seven other individuals and the investigations are on-going. Of the non-students, four will be barred from Concordia's campus and will not be permitted to register at the university for a period of five years. One of these four individuals has been identified as being among those responsible for breaking the large front window in the Henry F. Hall Building that was featured in much of the media coverage pertaining to the September 9th event.
Most of these charges under the University's Code relate to individuals who broke through the security perimeter in the Hall Building and occupied the mezzanine and escalators. It was these actions that directly led to the cancellation of Mr. Netanyahu's speech. As outlined in article 16 of the Code, they created an ìintimidating and hostile atmosphereî. Every individual present on the mezzanine and escalator who has been identified at this time has been charged.
Concordia has received several complaints of assault, intimidation, spitting and other unacceptable behaviour that allegedly occurred outside the Hall Building on September 9. While the University vigorously deplores such behavior, none of these incidents was captured on videotape and as a result, with one exception, the individuals involved could not be identified.
As the University is bound by confidentiality, Concordia cannot release, at this time, the names of those charged. However, should the individuals decide to make the charges public, it will be concluded that they have waived confidentiality.
Concordia University will continue to enforce its policy of zero tolerance for violent and intimidating behavior. Whatever the supposed justification, the disgraceful actions taken to prevent the speech of former Prime Minister Netanyahu must not be repeated. Violence and intimidation have no place on campus.
October 31, 2002 - Concordia University announced today that 19 people have been identified for their roles in the violent September 9 disruption of the scheduled speech of former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and related incidents. Of these, 12 are Concordia students. The students will face charges under the University's Code of Rights and Responsibilities as it existed on September 9th. The Code, which is currently being reviewed, provides for a range of sanctions from written reprimand to suspension or expulsion.
A careful, exhaustive and time-consuming study of available videotape footage and other evidence has led to the current set of charges. The investigation is continuing and further charges will be laid as individuals are identified.
Of the 19 people identified, five have already been charged by the police under the Criminal Code of Canada or municipal bylaws. These charges include obstruction of a police officer and illegal assembly. Additional complaints have been filed with the police against seven other individuals and the investigations are on-going. Of the non-students, four will be barred from Concordia's campus and will not be permitted to register at the university for a period of five years. One of these four individuals has been identified as being among those responsible for breaking the large front window in the Henry F. Hall Building that was featured in much of the media coverage pertaining to the September 9th event.
Most of these charges under the University's Code relate to individuals who broke through the security perimeter in the Hall Building and occupied the mezzanine and escalators. It was these actions that directly led to the cancellation of Mr. Netanyahu's speech. As outlined in article 16 of the Code, they created an ìintimidating and hostile atmosphereî. Every individual present on the mezzanine and escalator who has been identified at this time has been charged.
Concordia has received several complaints of assault, intimidation, spitting and other unacceptable behaviour that allegedly occurred outside the Hall Building on September 9. While the University vigorously deplores such behavior, none of these incidents was captured on videotape and as a result, with one exception, the individuals involved could not be identified.
As the University is bound by confidentiality, Concordia cannot release, at this time, the names of those charged. However, should the individuals decide to make the charges public, it will be concluded that they have waived confidentiality.
Concordia University will continue to enforce its policy of zero tolerance for violent and intimidating behavior. Whatever the supposed justification, the disgraceful actions taken to prevent the speech of former Prime Minister Netanyahu must not be repeated. Violence and intimidation have no place on campus.
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