The McGill community has been advised to avoid using the Roddick Gates on campus due to a planned protest, according to university officials.
In an email sent out to students and staff, the university stated that the Roddick Gates, located at the intersection of Sherbrooke and McGill College, will be closed on Wednesday afternoon. This is in response to a planned protest organized by the group “Climate Justice Action McGill.”
The protest is expected to take place at 1 p.m. and will involve a march from the Roddick Gates to the James Administration Building. The group is calling for the university to divest from fossil fuels and take stronger action against climate change.
The university has stated that the closure of the Roddick Gates is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors on campus. They have also advised individuals to use alternate entrances to the campus during this time.
This is not the first time that the Roddick Gates have been closed due to a protest. In 2018, the gates were shut down for several hours during a demonstration against the university’s investments in fossil fuels.
The university has stated that they respect the right to peaceful protest, but also prioritize the safety and security of their community. They have encouraged individuals to express their opinions in a respectful and peaceful manner.
The closure of the Roddick Gates is expected to cause some disruptions to traffic in the area. The university has advised individuals to plan their routes accordingly and to expect delays.
The protest is expected to end at 3 p.m., after which the Roddick Gates will be reopened. The university has stated that they will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
In the meantime, the McGill community is urged to stay informed and to follow the university’s official channels for updates on the situation.