Statement regarding peaceful protests on campus

The University of Sydney's Acting Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Annamarie Jagose, wrote to students and staff this morning regarding protest activity on campus.

The email from the University's Acting Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Annamarie Jagose is below.

***

Dear students and colleagues,

Some of you may be aware that last night a protest encampment was set up on the University's front lawns on our Camperdown-Darlington campus.

A wide range of views and perspectives exist among our community and, as always, we remain committed to the right of protesters to assemble peacefully and express their views. We strongly believe that as a university our role is to serve as a forum for respectful and deliberative debate and discussion in line with our Charter of Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech.

Equally, we have zero tolerance for any form of racism, threats to safety, hate speech, intimidation, threatening speech, bullying or unlawful harassment, including antisemitic or anti-Muslim language or behaviour.

Unacceptable conduct

As the Vice-Chancellor said in February, in these times of conflict and division the University is focused on fostering a culture of civility and disagreeing well, where everyone feels welcome and included.

The University will not hesitate to take firm and decisive disciplinary action where appropriate if a student or staff member is found to have breached the Student Charter, Code of Conduct or University policy. The University has developed additional guidance to support students to understand our Student Charter, and what the University considers unacceptable conduct that may lead to disciplinary action.

Unacceptable conduct includes:

• disruption of lectures and classes, preventing other students from learning
• harassing or intimidating staff and students who may hold a different view or simply do not wish to engage in protest or debate
• preventing free movement around campus
• damage to property.

It is our expectation that all members of our University community will express their views in a thoughtful and considered manner.

Support

Protecting the safety, health and wellbeing of our students and staff - as well as any visitors to campus - is always the University's highest priority.

If you need support, visit our student life, wellbeing and support webpage or  talk with one of our University counsellors.

Unacceptable conduct can be reported via our online complaints form.

As always, please look after yourselves and each other and make use of the support available to you here at the University.

Take care,

Annamarie

Professor Annamarie Jagose
Acting Vice-Chancellor and President