A Concordia University staff member has been indefinitely banned from all university property following her alleged involvement in protest activities on October 6. Julianna Smith, who works as the campaigns coordinator for the Concordia Student Union, is accused of participating in actions that disrupted classes and a midterm exam at the university's downtown campus.

The protests coincided with the two-year anniversary of a terrorist attack in Israel. On October 7, Concordia became the only university globally to close its campus due to safety concerns. A group of approximately 30 masked protesters interrupted classes, leading Campus Safety and Prevention Services (CSPS) to request their departure. The protesters, however, continued their disruptive behavior, which included banging on lockers and using a bullhorn. After multiple warnings, they were escorted out, but not before one protester assaulted a security guard. This individual was later arrested and charged with assault while allegedly possessing a metal bar and incendiary devices. Another protester activated a fire alarm and was charged with public mischief. Reports indicate that neither of these individuals were affiliated with Concordia.

While it remains unclear if Smith was directly involved with the group that disrupted the campus, she received a letter on October 30 from the CSPS director. The letter alleged that Smith had helped prepare and equip individuals who engaged in aggressive harassment and class disruptions. It also claimed she assisted others in gathering disguises to avoid identification and consequences for their actions. These activities are said to violate Concordia's policies.

In response to the allegations against Smith, the Arts and Science Federation of Associations (ASFA) praised her role in mobilizing students at Concordia. In an email sent to arts and science undergraduate students on November 12, the ASFA described Smith as a victim of ongoing repression at the university, particularly affecting students involved in pro-Palestinian organizing. The organization encouraged students to sign an open letter addressed to university administrators and the CSPS director, demanding the reversal of Smith's indefinite campus ban.

The open letter condemns the punitive measures taken by Concordia's administration and security, asserting that these actions aim to deter and silence student movements. It expresses solidarity with those advocating for Palestinian liberation and criticizes the university for allegedly using academic policies to suppress dissent. The letter also emphasizes that the protests on October 6 and 7 aligned with the political positions of the Concordia Student Union, confirming Smith's role in supporting these student actions.