By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Students at the Université de Sherbrooke will participate in a two-day strike starting Nov. 21 demanding the institution divest from companies allegedly profiting from or contributing to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The movement has gained traction across multiple student associations and includes planned demonstrations, including a march to MP Élisabeth Brière’s office.
The strike, organized by the Université de Sherbrooke’s General Association of Science Students (AGES) alongside other student groups, builds on momentum from earlier actions this year. “This is the second strike for this cause,” explained Benjamin Gagné, AGES interim coordinator, in a recent interview. “In May, we struck for a day to support the pro-Palestinian encampment on campus and demand transparency from the university.”
The upcoming strike escalates those efforts. Three major student associations, including AGES, the Humanities Students’ Association (AEMDHUS), and the Education and Physical Education Students’ Association (AGEEFEUS), have voted to strike on Nov. 21 to 22. Other associations, such as AGEFLESH and AGEMDEUS, are also considering similar actions. Gagné estimates this could mobilize upwards of 50,000 students across campus.
At the heart of the protest is a demand for the university to disclose its investment portfolio and divest from companies linked to the conflict in Gaza. “One major concern is CAE Inc., a defence company with significant investments in the Middle East. They train pilots and develop technology for military purposes,” said Gagné. “Students have a right to know where their tuition dollars are going.”
According to a press release from AGES, the university has resisted calls for transparency. “It would be easy for them to prove they are not supporting harmful activities, but their lack of openness raises questions,” the release noted. AGES plans to increase pressure through continued activism if the university does not respond to their demands.
