Montreal, August 30, 2024 – Over the past year, events and incidents involving violence and intimidation against Jewish students have occurred without any substantial consequences for the offenders, leaving many students feeling vulnerable. In response, Hillel Concordia, Startup Nation, and individual students have decided to pursue legal action. They are seeking a declaratory judgment and both an interlocutory and permanent injunction. This would assert that Concordia University and its President and Vice-Chancellor, Graham Carr, failed to enforce the university's own policies and codes. This proceeding aims to compel the university and Carr to adhere to these policies and codes through injunctive relief.

The proceedings seek to require that the university rigorously apply its policies, by-laws, and regulations, including but not limited to: the code, the safety policy, the student group policy, and the use of space policy. Given last year's incidents and potential occurrences this year, this injunction is essential to safeguard students from ongoing harmful activities.

Students should not require legal representation to attend school in 2024 or at any point in time.

Quotes:

Hillel Concordia:
“Since October 7th we have seen a spike in incidents of hate, incitement to violence and antisemitism on campus. Hillel Concordia, along with Federation CJA and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) have continuously reached out to the university administration to hold those responsible accountable with the administration. Those who seek to incite hatred, intimidate and ostracize Jewish students on campus, must face consequences. Concordia has a Code of Rights and Responsibilities which has recently been updated to include specific behaviours that are prohibited on its campus. Concordia must implement and enforce this Code.

Freedom of expression is not a free pass to antisemitism, hateful speech, intimidation, discrimination and incitement to violence. Concordia must act to ensure that all students, Jewish and non-Jewish, are protected and feel safe on campus. Holding violators accountable sends a strong message about behaviour that is not welcome nor tolerated on campus.”

StartUp Nation:
“The intimidation and violence experienced by Jewish students at the university has had a profound impact on feelings of safety and inclusivity on campus. This injunction is the next logical step to guarantee that all students, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, can study and learn in peace, and that the university is not hijacked by radicals who impose an antisemitic climate on our campus.

Despite our repeated meetings with administration, we saw too many incidents of hateful, aggressive, and violent behaviour, which have severely compromised our safety, eroded inclusivity, and disrupted students’ academic experiences. We saw accommodations being offered to anarchists and radicals, which has created an environment that is toxic for all students, Jews and non-Jews alike.

The StartUp Nation sees the injunction as a necessary step as a new academic year begins. Concordia needs to act and must use its already available tools to ensure that all students are safe and secure on campus.”

About Hillel Concordia:
Hillel Concordia is an association under the Civil Code of Quebec and is a registered student club at Concordia, through the Concordia Student Union. It is dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish students, connecting them to Jewish life on their own terms, supporting Israel on campus, and developing student leadership skills to equip tomorrow’s leaders today. Hillel Concordia supports and facilitates student driven initiatives that promote Jewish values and create community through grassroots programming, learning, immersive experiences and volunteer initiatives. With an open-door inclusive policy, everyone is welcome.

About StartUp Nation:
With a lens on Israeli business, entrepreneurship, innovation, and culture, the StartUp Nation enriches life on campus by creating opportunities for students to learn about Israel's remarkable identity, achievements, and way of life. Due to the Israel - Hamas war in the Middle East and its consequences in North America, the StartUp Nation is stepping up its direct action to combat antisemitism, discrimination, and xenophobia. The StartUp Nation works around the clock to maintain a united environment, fight for the rights and justice of students, and provide safety and support to students and beyond. 

Media Contact:
Glenn J. Nashen
Director, Media Relations and Crisis Communications
Strategic Marketing and Communications 
1 Carré Cummings Square
Montréal, Québec  H3W 1M6
514-734-1327
[email protected]