Capilano University values diversity, the individuality of learners, open engagement with ideas and respectful engagement with each other, personal accountability for integrity and success, and transparency and an ethic of fairness.
CapU is committed to providing a respectful learning and working environment that allows the community to participate fully and freely.
The University encourages expressions of free speech conducted responsibly and in accordance with local bylaws, University policies and Canadian law.
Capilano University is private property and permits peaceful protest under specific conditions that ensure safety, respect and the uninterrupted operation of campus activities. Locations can be designated to ensure the safety of the University community and the protestors.
The University is responsible for informing potential protestors of safety and trespass stipulations on its property. The University can designate a "protest zone" for lawful, peaceful protest. The zone must be relevant to the protested event and safe for all parties.
Guidelines for peaceful protest at CapU
These guidelines apply to all Capilano University campuses and learning locations, including properties owned, leased or operated by the University.
They are intended to help community members understand how to responsibly organize and participate in peaceful protest activities.
Peaceful protests must take place during regular campus operational hours and should be conducted in a manner that is safe and respectful.
Participants may use signage and flags, provided they do not contain offensive, profane or discriminatory content.
All actions should maintain cleanliness, avoid damage to property and comply with local bylaws and University policies and Canadian law.
To maintain a safe and respectful environment, the following activities are not permitted during protests:
- Trespassing into events, classrooms, meetings, business areas or sensitive zones
- Threats, intimidation, violence or any form of harassment
- Rioting or gatherings that disturb the peace
- Use of sound amplification devices
- Hate speech or discriminatory harassment
- Open fires, dumping, or unsanitary behaviour such as public urination or defecation
- Damage to or removal of University property, including graffiti
- Blocking entrances, roadways, or disrupting campus services (e.g., transit, deliveries, waste collection)
- Interference with instructional activities, University operations or scheduled events
- Disruption of others' rights to free speech, assembly and access to campus facilities
Encampments are not allowed on Capilano University property.
This includes:
- Camping or sleeping in vehicles on campus
- Erecting tents, makeshift shelters or any semi-permanent structures for protest purposes
All protests must respect the University's hours of operation and avoid creating long-term or obstructive installations.
The safety and well-being of everyone on campus is a top priority.
If a protest or demonstration blocks access to a building or interferes with classes, follow the steps below:
- Contact campus security: 604 984 1763 in North Vancouver and 778 266 1045 in Squamish
- Enter or exit the building using another entrance
- Avoid engaging with or confronting demonstrators
If a protest turns non-peaceful
Under the University Act, Capilano University is private property and campus security, as an agent of the University, has the right to ask people to leave if a protest turns non-peaceful, including refusal to leave the premises or the suspected start of an encampment.
Campus security or the regional campus administrator in charge, can and is encouraged to provide a "Notice of Trespass" to the group and call the local authorities.