Update on encampment on Polonsky Commons

This message is sent on behalf of the Office of Campus Safety.

Following last week’s communication regarding the encampment established on Polonsky Commons on Monday, May 6, we wanted to provide the campus community with an update.

Over the past week, occupants of the encampment have engaged in peaceful assembly and remain at Polonsky Commons, focusing their protest on the administration of Ontario Tech University (OTU). OTU leadership has met with the encampment representatives and is working closely with them to find a meaningful resolution. For your reference, OTU is posting updates on its activities online.

At Durham College (DC), our primary focus is offering high-quality education while supporting the well-being and rights of all learners and employees. We are proud to foster an environment that upholds our fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and protest in a way that does not promote any form of discrimination, racism, or hate. This is in keeping with our college’s policies and provincial and federal laws. In so doing, we remain a safe, welcoming and inclusive community.

The Office of Campus Safety continues monitoring the encampment and works closely with DC and OTU. Should you encounter the encampment, please be reminded that all campus community members should be treated fairly and with respect.

For further information about human rights and equity or related concerns, please contact the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at diversity@durhamcollege.ca or 905.721.2000 ext. 2855.

If you have safety concerns regarding the encampment, contact the Office of Campus Safety at 905.721.3211 or ext. 2400.

As always, the below resources are available to support those in need.

For students:


For employees:

  • TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) services can be accessed anytime by phone at 1-844-880-9142 or TTY Service at 1-877-338-0275 or at workhealthlife.com.