Closure of downtown campus

Dear Concordians,

As you will have seen by now, we have made the difficult decision to close Concordia’s downtown campus on October 7. We took this exceptional measure to protect our entire community.

In the last two years, we have seen protests on campus but have never been forced to enact such preventive measures.

That changed yesterday after two individuals were arrested following the disruption of a class and midterm exam. One of those arrested was later discovered to be in possession of a metal bar and several incendiary devices. Neither of these individuals are members of the Concordia community.

With hundreds of protesters from other universities and cégeps expected — as well as counter protesters not linked to the university planning to gather outside our downtown campus this afternoon — the threat of extreme disruption is simply too high to operate as usual.

It is with profound sadness that this decision was made. Acts of intimidation and violence have no place in our society, and particularly not in institutions that centre around teaching and learning.

I am sure the vast majority of you are fed up with the behaviour and disrespect some exhibit toward the university. But the safety of our community is paramount.

Thank you for your support, understanding and flexibility in adapting your academic activities because of the closure.

Graham Carr
President and Vice-Chancellor