University of Melbourne Students at Risk of Expulsion for Pro-Palestine Protest: What You Need to Know

In October 2023, two students from the University of Melbourne faced expulsion, and two others faced suspension for their involvement in a pro-Palestine protest on campus. This move could make them the first pro-Palestine activists in Australia to face such severe consequences since protests intensified in response to violence in Gaza.

The students plan to appeal these decisions. One of them, who wished to remain anonymous, believes the university had already decided their fate, pointing to strict anti-protest rules characterized by critics as repressive and authoritarian.

The controversy stems from a 90-minute occupation of an academic office by about 20 protesters. They aimed to pressure the university to sever ties with Israeli institutions linked to ongoing conflicts. Footage shared online showed the protest, with many wearing masks or scarves to cover their faces.

According to the university, the students allegedly harassed staff and damaged property during the demonstration. However, the students assert that their protest was peaceful. They even offered to lower the volume of the music they played to respect others’ work.

The disciplinary committee found one student, Niamh*, present at the protest for just ten minutes. Despite not participating in any of the supposed harassment, the committee suggests her presence was intimidating. They recommended expulsion based on the seriousness of the situation and her previous conduct, which reportedly included involvement in another protest that resulted in university commitments for greater transparency regarding research funding.

Interestingly, the university tracked Niamh’s location through her Wi-Fi login, raising privacy concerns that have caught the attention of the Victorian information commissioner.

Critics of the university’s actions, including staff and students, argue that they undermine academic freedom and open dialogue on important issues. An open letter from 174 faculty members condemned the university council’s initial characterization of the protest as harassing behavior.

The new rules instituted by the university’s administration, including a ban on "non-peaceful" protests and restrictions on who can enter campus grounds, have been met with strong opposition. Both the student union and the National Tertiary Education Union have called these measures authoritarian, reflecting a broader trend toward controlling student activism in universities worldwide.

Beyond the specific case at the University of Melbourne, similar instances have been reported across Australia. For example, students at other institutions have successfully overturned expulsion or suspension decisions related to pro-Palestine activism, showcasing the ongoing struggle for student rights in expressing political views.

Niamh is particularly disheartened by the new directions taken by the university, especially since the current vice-chancellor, Emma Johnston, was once a student leader who advocated for protests. "Her words are irreconcilable with her actions," Niamh said, urging university leaders to engage in genuine dialogue with students about their concerns regarding humanitarian issues in Gaza and the West Bank.

The university has so far refrained from commenting on individual cases to maintain the integrity of its disciplinary procedures.

For more insights, you can read about protests around the world and the historical context of activism at universities here.

*Name has been changed.

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