"The University of Sydney categorically does not endorse or condone the views or resolutions of a recent Student Representative Council (SRC) Student General Meeting (SGM), which was attended by about 200 people – less than half a percent of our student population.

"Prior to the meeting we had multiple conversations with student bodies to stress students must not engage in hate speech and that we require respectful dialogue. We understand participants were instructed by the SRC Chair that they were permitted to express disagreement in a non-disruptive manner, such as by turning their backs. While we appreciate that this practice was intended to avoid interjections from the audience, we understand the actions of some in the audience turning their backs on speakers could be considered disrespectful in the circumstances.

"We recognise that the conflict in the Middle East is deeply personal for many, and that members of our community hold a wide range of views. We support the right of our students to express their views safely but we want to be clear: student representatives and student-led groups speak for themselves not the University."