Students at Toronto Metropolitan University have come together to stage a walkout in protest against the treatment of a pro-Palestinian demonstrator by a security guard on campus. The incident, captured in a video that circulated last week, shows the student being forcefully taken down to the ground and restrained by security personnel.
Vice President of Administration and Operations, Saeed Zolfaghari, confirmed that the individual in question was among a group asked to leave an event at the Dais Democracy Forum due to disruptive behavior. The university acknowledged the video as concerning and stated that they are taking the situation seriously, with a review of the actions taken by the security officers.
The security guards involved, who are contracted through a third-party organization, have been reassigned pending the outcome of the review and will not be on campus duties during this period. Toronto police have been informed and are currently investigating the matter.
In response to the footage, the TMU student union expressed strong disapproval of what they perceived as excessive force used against the student. They emphasized the importance of upholding students’ rights to free expression and dissent, asserting that everyone should feel safe on campus while exercising their democratic freedoms.
Students for Justice in Palestine at Toronto Metropolitan University have initiated a walkout scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. to demonstrate their solidarity and demand accountability for the incident.