We are currently investigating an incident that took place at our Sydney Abroad Fair last week.
The fair provides an opportunity for our students to meet our international partner universities and learn about the global experiences available to them while studying at Sydney. As a precautionary measure, this year we hosted Tel Aviv University indoors at our Law School and Susan Wakil Health Building.
When a protest disrupted proceedings, additional security measures were swiftly put in place. Security staff prevented more people from entering while the protest was underway, and were present at all times to ensure the safety of everyone in the room.
It is absolutely incorrect to suggest anyone was locked in the room or detained; those who wanted to leave were able and supported to do so. Our Protective Services officers adhere to our protocols which aim to ensure a safe environment for events, including protests.
The University has a rich history of activism and protest on our campuses, and we strongly support the right of our students and staff to express themselves freely as long as it is done safely and in accordance with the law and our Charter of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom.
Our Charter carefully balances the right to free speech with the need for reasonable limits to allow teaching, research and other University activities to continue safely; protests may be rowdy and spirited but they cannot interfere with the rights and freedoms of others.
Since the conflict in the Middle East began, we’ve been very clear with our community about our expectations for their conduct: we remain absolutely committed to freedom of speech and academic freedom during this troubling time but do not tolerate any form of racism, threats to safety, hate speech, intimidation, threatening speech, bullying or unlawful harassment, including antisemitic or anti-Muslim language or behaviour.
We know it’s more important than ever that our campuses continue to be a welcoming and safe space for all students and staff, as well as visitors to our campuses.
Support is available for any students or staff who may need it, including wellbeing and counselling services.
We have also increased our security profile across campus for the time being as a precautionary measure; our protective services team operates 24/7 and personal support is available for students, staff or visitors who may feel unsafe.
We know that coordinated and timely responses to matters relating to the safety and wellbeing of our community is vital. We respond to all complaints received and carefully consider the specific circumstances of each situation, prioritising safety where necessary; if we believe that there may have been a breach of our policies or codes of conduct or a threat to safety, we take appropriate action consistent with our policies and the law.