Three McMaster University students say a lengthy ban from campus activities — except to attend class — amid an investigation over a pro-Palestinian protest is hurting their academics and employment.
Standing just off campus on Aug. 27, Mason Fitzpatrick, Rand Clayton and Connor Galloway told reporters they think the ban is unjust.
“People love to talk about innocent until proven guilty, but then why am I facing such harsh punishments when I don’t even know what’s going on,” Clayton said. “I was unable to even access my own office for the entirety of this summer. PhD students don’t get a summer break. This has seriously dinged my productivity.”
Clayton told CBC Hamilton that McMaster initially told them they could not work as a teaching assistant, but they were able to negotiate to keep their job.
Fitzpatrick said he was placed on leave as a teaching assistant.
In an email, McMaster spokesperson Wade Hemsworth told CBC Hamilton the university will not comment …