University of Waterloo adds security measures to stop potential protests during convocation ceremonies

Convocation ceremonies will take place this week at the three local universities and administrators say they are addressing safety and disruption concerns amid tension with pro-Palestinan protesters on campus.

Wilfrid Laurier University does not have an encampment on its Waterloo campus, but the University of Waterloo and University of Guelph do.

Occupy UWaterloo and the People's Plaza for Palestine in Guelph have erected tents at their respective university campuses, leading to questions about whether protesters will try to use graduation stages to amplify their calls to action.

As the conflict in Gaza continues, encampment tenants have demanded their schools boycott and divest from companies supporting Israel.

Officials with universities in Waterloo region say the possibility of disruptive protests is on their radar, though for some it's not a main priority.

In an email to CBC News, a spokesperson from Wilfrid Laurier University said their focus is on ensuring "convocation is an exciting time to celebrate the graduates' hard work."

"As with any major event, Laurier prepares plans for any emergency or unforeseen circumstance, convocation is no different," the statement said.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the University of Guelph sent a similar statement to CBC News, but addressed attendee expectations.

"All event attendees and graduates will receive increased communication about expectations for respectful behaviour at convocation. Additional measures are being put in place to support event logistics and help prevent significant disruptions," the statement said.

Anyone attending convocation at the University of Waterloo requires a ticket, including graduates.

A statement from a UW spokesperson said people can expect their bags and personal items to be inspected before they enter the Physical Activities Complex, the building where the ceremonies are being held.

In part, the statement reads, "The university supports rights to freedom of speech and assembly but we want to convey our hope that these ceremonies are not disrupted."

Previous graduation protests

University convocations are happening across the country and some graduates have been showing their stance on conflict while crossing the stage.

At the University of Toronto, a livestream of a graduation ceremony showed one student unrolled a Palestinian flag on stage and another held up a banner with a hand-drawn Palestinian flag that said "disclose, divest".

In Thunder Bay, roughly two dozen protesters gathered outside Lakehead University's convocation ceremonies  Thursday to have their voices heard.

In a statement, Lakehead officials said the school was, "monitoring the situation closely to ensure convocation remains a safe event for members of our community."

Protesters pause Pride

On June 3, the University of Waterloo held a flag-raising ceremony to kick off Pride month.

While protesters were there to support the cause at hand, some also highlighted their call to divest.

A video of the event shows University of Waterloo president Vivek Goel walking off the stage as demonstrators chanted at him "Vivek, Vivek you can't hide."

Guelph's People's Plaza for Palestine held a media conference June 4 to address the encampment location in connection to fire safety codes.

During the speech, encampment organizer Wisa said the tents will remain until their demands are met.

"As we have reiterated to the university's administration several times since the encampment was established, the People's Plaza for Palestine is going nowhere without a commitment to divestment, " Wisa said.