On Friday, August 28, 2026, students and staff of Lasalle College gathered in Montreal to protest as the institution remained closed following its recent filing for bankruptcy protection.
The college entered the protection scheme earlier in the week after announcing that it owes nearly $48 million to the provincial government, a debt that prompted the suspension of all classes.
Demonstrators assembled outside the campus gates, holding signs and chanting in unison while the building's doors stayed locked. Both enrolled students and members of the teaching and administrative workforce participated in the rally, emphasizing their shared concern over the abrupt interruption of academic activities.
College officials confirmed that the bankruptcy filing was intended to restructure the outstanding obligations and explore options for the institution's future, but no timeline for reopening was provided. The protest aimed to draw attention to the impact of the financial crisis on the college community and to urge provincial authorities to consider solutions.
Local authorities monitored the gathering, and no incidents were reported. The protest concluded without disruption to public order, and participants dispersed peacefully as the evening progressed.
The situation leaves hundreds of students without classes and staff without work, while the college's administration works through the legal process to address the $48 million debt. The outcome will determine whether Lasalle College can resume operations or face further restructuring.
The closure adds to a series of recent financial challenges faced by post‑secondary institutions in Quebec, where provincial funding shortfalls have led several schools to seek court‑ordered protection.