UBC security says the pro-Palestinian protest encampment on campus “escalated” and breached the safety of university staff this weekend.

On April 29, students and community members from across the Lower Mainland started an encampment on MacInnes Field, in the centre of campus behind the Alma Mater Society’s student building over night.

In a press release, Campus Security says about 30 protestors began to occupy the UBC bookstore Saturday, as another 70-80 protestors surrounded and barricaded the exits.

Bookstore staff and others were allowed to leave safely. Campus Security says RCMP were called to clear the protestors out.

No arrests were made, but UBC expressed its dismay with the demonstration.

“To be clear, Saturday’s actions at the bookstore are not acceptable to the University. They are not representative of freedom of expression nor were they peaceful,” said the statement Monday.

“The University will be considering all options in the days ahead and will engage with RCMP and legal counsel as we consider next steps.”

Last week, almost 800 members of the UBC community, including many alumni and staff, signed an open letter, sent to seven of UBC’s leaders stating their support for the encampment.

Their statement said, “we unequivocally support the UBC student encampment on Musqueam lands in solidarity with Gaza and the Palestinian people.”

CityNews has reached out to members of the encampment for comment on the weekend activity.

-With files from Michelle Meiklejohn and Charlie Carey