Lawsuit Filed Against University of Calgary and City Authorities Over Encampment Removal

May 11, 2026, 20:00
CanadaPolitics

Introduction

Nine people have started a lawsuit against the University of Calgary, the Calgary Police Service, and the City of Calgary after a pro-Palestinian encampment was forcibly removed in May 2024.

Main Body

The legal case began after a protest was set up on May 9, 2024, near MacEwan Hall. The Calgary Student Movement demanded that the university reveal and stop its financial connections to Israeli organizations. Although the university administration said they supported freedom of speech, they emphasized that encampments were not allowed for safety and operational reasons. Consequently, the university issued trespass notices, and the Calgary Police Service (CPS) removed the site within 24 hours. Experts noted that this response was much faster than at other universities in North America. The plaintiffs, who include students and alumni, claim that the police used excessive force, such as batons and chemical sprays, even though the group was already preparing to leave. The lawsuit describes various physical and mental injuries, including concussions and trauma. Furthermore, the plaintiffs assert that the removal violated their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly. The legal action also challenges the truthfulness of statements made by former Police Chief Mark Neufeld and alleges that the police used illegal surveillance. Responses from official organizations have been different. A third-party review by MNP described the university's decision to call the police as a planned and documented process. However, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team finished an investigation in November 2024 and stated it could not confirm the reports of serious injuries. The defendants have mostly refused to comment because the legal process is still ongoing, though the university has promised to review the claim.

Conclusion

The plaintiffs are now asking for more than $331,000 in damages and a legal statement that their constitutional rights were violated.

Learning

⚡ The 'Professional Logic' Jump

An A2 student usually connects ideas with simple words like and, but, or because. To reach B2, you need to use Logical Connectors (Transition words). These make your writing sound objective, academic, and sophisticated.

Look at these shifts from the text:

A2 Style (Basic)B2 Style (Professional)The Effect
But the administration said...Although the administration said...Creates a complex contrast in one sentence.
So the university issued...Consequently, the university issued...Shows a direct cause-and-effect result.
Also, the plaintiffs say...Furthermore, the plaintiffs assert...Adds a new point with more authority.
But MNP said it was planned...However, a third-party review...Signals a formal disagreement.

🛠️ Vocabulary Upgrade: From 'General' to 'Precise'

B2 fluency is about precision. Stop using "generic" verbs and start using "context-specific" ones.

  • Instead of "Say" →\rightarrow Use "Assert" or "Claim"

    • A2: They say the police were mean.
    • B2: The plaintiffs assert that the removal violated their rights.
    • Why? "Assert" implies a strong statement made during a legal or formal argument.

  • Instead of "Start" →\rightarrow Use "Initiate" or "File"

    • A2: They started a lawsuit.
    • B2: Nine people have filed a lawsuit.
    • Why? "File" is the correct technical term for legal documents.

💡 Pro Tip: The 'Passive' Shield

Notice the phrase: "...an encampment was forcibly removed."

At A2, you might say: "The police removed the camp." At B2, we often use the Passive Voice to focus on the action or the victim rather than the actor. This is essential for reporting news or writing formal complaints where the focus is on the event itself.

Vocabulary Learning

lawsuit (n.)
A legal case brought by one person or group against another.
Example:The students filed a lawsuit against the university for violating their rights.
encampment (n.)
A temporary group of people living together, often for protest.
Example:A pro‑Palestinian encampment was set up near MacEwan Hall.
protest (n.)
An organized public demonstration of objection or dissent.
Example:The protest was organized to demand the university reveal its financial ties.
administration (n.)
The group of people who run or manage an organization.
Example:The university administration said it supported freedom of speech.
trespass (n.)
An illegal entry onto someone’s property.
Example:The police issued trespass notices before removing the encampment.
excessive (adj.)
More than is necessary or appropriate.
Example:The plaintiffs claimed the police used excessive force.
injuries (n.)
Physical or mental harm caused to a person.
Example:The lawsuit described injuries such as concussions and trauma.
constitutional (adj.)
Relating to the constitution, especially legal rights guaranteed by it.
Example:The removal was said to violate their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.
surveillance (n.)
The monitoring of people or activities, often secretly.
Example:The police allegedly used illegal surveillance during the operation.
allegations (n.)
Claims or accusations that something is true, often without proof.
Example:The lawsuit alleges that the police used illegal surveillance.
documented (adj.)
Recorded or written down as evidence.
Example:The university’s decision to call the police was described as a documented process.
challenge (v.)
To question or contest the validity of something.
Example:The legal action also challenges the truthfulness of statements made by the former police chief.