Friday 25 September 2026: Update

A message from the University of Sydney’s Chancellor David Thodey AO following a meeting of the University of Sydney Senate:

The Vice-Chancellor briefed the Senate today on serious concerns regarding the conduct of the SRC student election.

The Vice-Chancellor said he was profoundly disappointed that the safety and wellbeing of the community, especially our Jewish students, were not adequately considered by some candidates running in the election and then by the independent election organisers when endorsing ticket names.

He reiterated his opposition to the use of the term ‘Globalise the Intifada.’ All election signs containing this phrase have now been removed from the campus.

As a result of events this week, the Vice-Chancellor indicated:

• that complaints in relation to this week’s events were being investigated and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if a breach of policies or codes of conduct were found to have occurred
• Advice has been sought from the NSW Electoral Commissioner on requirements that should be put in place to ensure safe and fair student elections
• Advice has been sought from the Crown Solicitor as to whether actions taken in the conduct of the election constituted breaches of the Crimes Act and whether we should take legal action.
• A full independent review will be expedited of the current affiliation and funding arrangements for student representative groups, to ensure legal, regulatory, and psychosocial safety measures are being met.

The University remains committed to a culture where free speech can flourish while ensuring all members of our community are safe and welcome. Disregard for the safety and wellbeing of others breaches our staff and student codes of conduct. Threatening and intimidating behaviour has no place at the University.

23 September 2026: Initial University statement in response to concerns and complaints

The University's full statement:

Everyone should feel like they belong on our campuses and we take seriously the distress reported by members of our community. Lawful political expression is an important part of university life, but it must be balanced with our responsibility to protect the psychosocial and physical safety of our community.

Student Representative Council election

We have received a number of complaints about the SRC election ticket named ‘Globalise the Intifada’ and their associated promotional materials. 

We know that for many, this phrase is inseparable from violence against Israeli and Jewish civilians, and we take seriously the distress reported by members of our community.

While the SRC administers its elections independently and its Electoral Officer considers ticket names under the SRC Constitution and Regulations, without approval by the University, we are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of everyone on our campuses. 

After receiving complaints, we swiftly contacted the SRC’s Electoral Officer, removed campaign material including the phrase that was displayed outside designated areas, and began assessing the complaints we had received for further action.

We have asked the Electoral Officer to explain how the name was assessed against SRC requirements concerning vilification and public safety, and whether the ticket will be invited to change it.  

The process is continuing, the University will not prejudge its outcome but any breach of University policy will result in appropriate action.  

Voting closes at 5.15pm on Thursday, 24 September, after which all election campaign material will be removed from campus. 

Relocation of event on campus

We're also aware of reports about the relocation of an event on campus.

Last week, when we became aware that a demonstration regarding the University’s approach to AI was scheduled at the same time as an event held by the Australian Union of Jewish Students, we discussed the available options with the event organisers, including remaining at the original location or moving their event to another area on campus. 

Following those discussions, with the involvement and agreement of the organisers, the event was relocated and proceeded without disruption.

Further actions we’re taking

Our Vice-Chancellor has invited representatives of the Jewish community to a meeting at the University this afternoon where he will listen to concerns and discuss a path forward. 

We are also writing to the NSW Electoral Commission to seek guidance on the principles used to manage contentious names of political groups seeking election, and other advice around best practice in running student elections.

We’ll continue monitoring the NSW Government’s proposal to proscribe the phrase as unlawful and will comply with any resulting changes to NSW law, and complying with all current hate speech laws.

Support is available for anyone in our community who may need it.