Our messages to our community regarding protest activity on campus
Update: Wednesday 24 July 2024
Welcome to Semester 2, Campus Access Policy 2024
Today the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, wrote to students and staff ahead of Semeseter 2.
He reminded the University community of the introduction of the Campus Access Policy 2024, which provides clearer information about expectations and requirements of conduct on campus.
"The Policy balances our commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom with our legislative obligations to protect the health and safety of our community, and to do our best to prevent both psychological and physical harm," Professor Scott said.
Update: Thursday 4 July 2024
Campus Access Policy 2024
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, wrote to students and staff today, informing them of the introduction of the Campus Access Policy 2024 which sets out the University’s expectations for all users of our lands, and specifies activities that require prior approval and those that are unacceptable at any time, including providing for the safe and orderly conduct of demonstrations.
"At its core, this policy upholds our commitment to free speech – while recognising we need to be able to manage our environment for the safety and security of all," Professor Scott said.
Update: Monday 24 June 2024
Peaceful end of protest encampment
Today Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, wrote to students and staff confirming the peaceful end of the protest encampment on campus.
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Dear colleagues and students,
I wanted to let you know that the protest encampment on the University’s front lawns has packed up and we’re looking forward to holding Semester 2 Welcome there in a few weeks.
After weeks of discussions and deep listening to members of our diverse community, we are pleased that the encampment has ended peacefully without violence. We know it has been a very difficult time for many members of our community.
Summary
As part of the agreement to end the encampment, we have upheld the core principles of freedom of speech and academic freedom. Specifically, we will not restrict student exchanges, academic partnerships or institutional relationships with any country or industry as part of this agreement.
As we said on 5 June, we are:
- doubling our expenditure over the next three years to support academics and PhD students under the Scholars-at-Risk Program
- convening a working group to provide feedback on our investment policies with a lens to ensure they reflect our commitment to human rights, including consideration of the position of defence- and security-related industries in our Investment Policy and our Integrated ESG Framework
- as is standard practice for many universities globally, disclosing our defence- and security-related research activities including research contracts and research grants, subject to contractual, legal and privacy obligations
I share our community’s distress at the events in the Middle East and the ways in which that conflict is reverberating here in Australia. Our focus from the beginning has been to de-escalate tensions on campus, and our top priority is always the safety of our students, staff and the broader community. 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.
Since the conflict broke out, the University has been clear that we condemn violence, terrorism and any breach of human rights; and we continue to hold collective hope for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
I’m pleased we’ve been able to reach a peaceful resolution to the encampment, and I look forward to students enjoying Welcome Fest on the front lawns in a few weeks’ time.
Kind regards,
Mark
Mark Scott
Vice-Chancellor and President
Update: Monday 17 June 2024
Update on protest encampment
Vice-Chancelllor and President, Professor Mark Scott, wrote to students and staff today with and update.
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Dear colleagues and students,
I want to provide you with an update on the protest encampment. As you may be aware, we’ve met with representatives a number of times to discuss their concerns, with the aim of achieving a peaceful resolution to the encampment.
Following the rejection of our proposal, last Friday we informed the encampment representatives that we require them to vacate the front lawns, so we can prepare for Semester 2 Welcome Fest.
Welcome Fest has a long tradition of being held on our front lawns, and tens of thousands of students attend this event every semester. It’s an important and exciting opportunity for our new and continuing students to get involved in campus life, meet new friends and sign up to the USU’s clubs and societies.
Since 24 April when the encampment began, we’ve repeatedly stated that we support the right to peaceful protest, provided it doesn’t cause significant disruption to core University operations. We consider preparations for Welcome Fest to be core University operations – and any activity that impedes this constitutes a significant and unacceptable disruption.
The lawns are a popular and shared space, and as we have said previously, our shared spaces should be welcoming and inclusive to all members of our community. Unfortunately, the lawns have become damaged – in some places, quite badly – by use for which they are not intended. Our campus grounds team has advised that remediating this damage will take some time. To give our students the best possible experience at Welcome Fest we now require the lawns to be cleared to do this work.
Keeping our community safe
Our top priority is always the safety of our students, staff and the broader community. As we have repeatedly stated, 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. We unequivocally condemn violence, terrorism and any breach of human rights. Where we have become aware of alleged behaviour that violates our Code of Conduct or Student Charter (PDF, 219 KB), we have acted immediately.
You may be aware that on Sunday, concerning allegations regarding external influences on the protest encampment were raised in the media. I assure you the University is treating these allegations seriously and we are seeking advice from authorities.
Since the protest encampment began, we’ve been in regular contact with NSW Police and we participated in the recent briefing of the Universities Foreign Interference Taskforce, which included briefings from intelligence officials, ASIO, and several senior government officials. We follow advice recommended by the Taskforce and other relevant authorities.
Support
Information about how to lodge a complaint if you witness or experience unacceptable behaviour such as bullying, harassment, or discrimination is available on the intranet. If you witness an incident, please lodge a Riskware report. If you need support you can contact our Employee Assistance Program to access 24/7 confidential counselling for you and your family.
If you are feeling unsafe on campus or witness other forms of concerning behaviour, you can call protective services on 9351 3333.
I will continue to keep you updated.
Kind regards,
Mark
Mark Scott
Vice-Chancellor and President
Update: Wednesday 5 June 2024
Update on meeting with encampment representatives
Today Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, wrote to students and staff with an update on yesterday's meeting with encampment representatives.
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Dear students and colleagues,
Late yesterday afternoon the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Annamarie Jagose, and I again met with representatives from the protest encampment to further discuss the offer we made last week.
We have clarified details of our offer (PDF, 119 KB) and a copy is available online.
Our top priority is the safety of our students, staff and visitors. We support the right to protest, but all our shared spaces should be welcoming and inclusive for all members of our community.
We have been steadfast in our commitment to the principles of academic freedom and free speech. The University will therefore continue to support the right of our academics and students to do research, partner with industry and collaborate with people from around the world. Like other Group of Eight universities, we have been clear that we will not meet demands to restrict student exchanges, academic partnerships or institutional relationships.
Recognising that many in our community would welcome greater transparency, however, we have agreed to disclose our defence and security related research activities and our investment in these industries. In doing so, we take seriously the privacy and safety of our researchers, and we will comply with our legal and regulatory obligations including national security requirements.
We have also committed to establish a working group to review the position of defence and security industries in our Investment Policy and our Integrated Ethical and Social Governance Framework.
In recent weeks, I’ve met with many groups who have strong and strongly contrasting views on the tragic conflict in the Middle East. Now more than ever, it is vital that we strive to listen to each other as we work through our differences together.
Kind regards,
Mark
Professor Mark Scott
Vice-Chancellor and President
Update Monday 28 May 2024
Update on meeting with encampment representatives
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott, wrote to students and staff today to provide an update on meeting with encampment representatives.
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Dear students and colleagues,
Following my update on protest encampement discussions on Friday, today the Provost, Professor Annamarie Jagose, and I again met with representatives from the protest encampment.
In these times of heightened social division where many feel marginalised and excluded because of their faith, their race, their country of origin, or their political views, the University has a duty to unite our community. We seek to provide a physical space that is welcoming to every member of our student and staff body, while upholding the principles of academic freedom and free speech that are fundamental to us as a scholarly community of learning and debate.
We are committed to genuinely responding to the deeply held concerns of the encampment. Through good-faith dialogue, we seek to reach a shared pathway forward with immediately actionable commitments. We pledged to initiate a representative working group to investigate our research engagements and return recommendations to the University Senate by the end of this year, conditional on an agreed timetable for the encampment to be cleared from our campus.
The offer we made today is more comprehensive than offers accepted by other encampments around the country.
The details of our proposed offer follow, and we have asked the encampment representatives to respond to us by 3 pm Thursday 30 May.
Immediate actions
1. Divestment
We will undertake a review of our investment portfolio related to defence and security industries prior to a Senate divestment discussion. This is the same process that led to our institutional decision to divest from modern slavery, cluster munitions, fossil fuels and tobacco.
2. Humanitarian support
As an initial commitment, the University will double our expenditure over the next three years to support academics and PhD students under the Scholars at Risk program.
We commit to allocating MySydney scholarships to humanitarian visa holders who meet relevant criteria.
3. Promoting equality and diversity
In addition to acknowledging the history and legacy of racism and injustices experienced by the First Nations Peoples of Australia, we will expand our current truth-telling process with reference to current events and their historic relevance at the University. The University will engage our academic expertise in a range of areas to research and uncover instances of the University’s engagement in racial ideas and practices in the past. This project will explore aspects of our past practices that have impacted other diverse communities. It will supplement the University’s broader commitment to promoting equality and diversity, while challenging ideas and practices based on racism, which are key components of our strategic intent.
Comprehensive engagement on University research activities
Many of the concerns raised by the encampment representatives are substantive and far-reaching. While I take them seriously, I do not have the authority to decide on them unilaterally.
The University would therefore establish a working group to undertake a comprehensive independent review of our research partnerships and produce a report with recommendations. This working group would operate within the formal structures of the University to allow recommendations to be incorporated in our policies and procedures.
The review would include, but not be restricted to:
- Analysis of existing University of Sydney institutional defence research ties with a view to maximising transparency of our research contracts, research grant arrangements, and the parties who support our research projects.
- Investigation of the University’s Investment Policy and Integrated Ethical and Social Governance Framework to ensure it continuously instils our deep commitment to human rights.
- Consideration of mechanisms to increase opportunities for Palestinian scholars and students, and other scholars and students impacted by conflict.
This working group would comprise a representation of the University’s student, staff and alumni communities, as well as University leadership and independent members.
Student representatives of the encampment group would be invited to put forward names of individuals for membership in the working group to the Chancellor and me.
The working group would consult with, and invite submissions from relevant stakeholders, experts, and other members of the University community including elected representatives of staff and student unions to ensure we are appropriately reflecting our community.
The working group would be instructed to make best efforts to deliver a report with recommendations before the end of 2024, and the Chancellor and I would respond to the recommendations in a timely manner. This report would also be made publicly available via the University’s website.
At the best of times, negotiation can be demanding and complex. Even more so at a time of widespread distress and concerns held from diverse perspectives. It requires deep listening and respectful engagement.
We remain committed to working together constructively in the interests of our entire community and I’ll keep you updated.
Kind regards,
Mark
Mark Scott
Vice-Chancellor and President
Update: Friday 24 May 2024
Update on protest encampment discussions
Today Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, wrote to students and staff with an update on protest encampment discussions.
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Dear colleagues,
I’m pleased to say that today the Provost, Professor Annamarie Jagose, and I met with nominated representatives from the protest encampment including representatives from the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) to discuss their views. This followed a positive meeting with the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) earlier this week.
We listened to the claims put forward by representatives and had discussions around academic freedom and free speech. The parties have agreed to meet again early next week and I look forward to continuing our conversations.
As always, the safety and wellbeing of our community remains our highest priority and and I'll keep you updated on our ongoing discussions of these important concerns.
Kind regards,
Mark
Mark Scott
Vice-Chancellor and President
Update: Wednesday 16 May 2024
Update on the protest encampment
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, wrote to students and staff today with an update on the protest encampment, alleged instances of unacceptable conduct and resulting actions taken.
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Dear students/colleagues
Like you, I continue to be horrified by the conflict and loss of life occurring in the Middle East. As I said last October, the University abhors violence and any breach of human rights, and we unequivocally condemn racism in all its forms, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. Like you, we watch the international situation unfolding with collective hope for an immediate cessation of hostilities. These issues are deeply distressing for many of us, and the profoundly polarised debates about the conflict encourage further division rather than constructive dialogue. I extend my sympathies to everyone affected and encourage you to reach out for support if you need it.
Unacceptable conduct
Since the protest encampment on our campus began, we have been focused on the safety and wellbeing of our community, ensuring our campus remains peaceful and our University activities can continue uninterrupted.
Where instances of alleged unacceptable conduct occur, we have acted decisively. We will continue to take a reasonable and proportionate approach to any alleged misconduct and deal with unacceptable conduct on a case-by-case basis, consistent with our approach of de-escalation.
We have repeatedly directed protesters not to share their student or staff ID cards with visitors to campus. Individuals who have been found to have shared their ID cards have had their cards confiscated and will be subject to misconduct proceedings.
We have become aware that some individuals have allegedly gone beyond the bounds of acceptable political announcements before the commencement of classes by:
- deliberately covering their faces in a manner intended to conceal their identity and, in contravention of University policy, not identifying themselves upon request
- interrupting classes or not allowing classes to commence at the scheduled time
- acting in a way that can reasonably be considered to be intimidatory of staff and/or students.
The University has an obligation to provide a safe learning environment for our students and a safe workplace for staff, and we will be taking disciplinary action against identified individuals involved in these incidents.
Equally, we are aware of an instance of counter-protesters allegedly engaging in intimidatory behaviour towards the encampment overnight earlier this week, and we are co-operating with police in their investigations of this behaviour.
Our expectations
As we have stated repeatedly, we do not tolerate any form of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, threats to safety, hate speech, intimidation, threatening speech, bullying or unlawful harassment, or breaches of privacy including photography in classes without permission. As previously communicated, the following is unacceptable conduct:
- disruption of lectures and classes, preventing other students from learning
- entering buildings without authorisation
- 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
- creating and/or refusing to control a serious safety risk.
If you witness or experience an incident, I encourage you to lodge a complaint via our online form. If you are feeling unsafe on campus, you can call protective services on 9351 3333.
Working towards a resolution
I know that many in our community have passionate and long-held views on Israel and Palestine and are legitimately concerned about what is taking place, and the University upholds the right of our community to express these views provided they do not unreasonably infringe on the rights of others to come to campus and engage in their usual activities.
Senior University representatives have had productive and open conversations with representatives from the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA), and the student-led University of Sydney Union (USU).
I’m disappointed we haven’t yet been able to have constructive engagement with the Students' Representative Council (SRC) and Sydney University Muslim Students' Association (SUMSA) organisers to discuss their views, and I have written to them today inviting them to meet with me and Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Annamarie Jagose in a private and neutral place where meaningful discussions can take place.
Likewise, the Sydney Branch of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), one of our staff unions, recently passed a motion outlining concerns similar to those of the encampment, and I’ve written to them today inviting them to meet with me and Annamarie next week.
Around the world, we have seen universities and encampments come to mutually-acceptable agreements following good-faith dialogue. The concerns of the encampment and the NTEU are worthy of consideration, but we can only progress towards any resolution through genuine two-way discussions and I hope that both the students and the NTEU will accept our offer to meet next week.
In these troubling times, I encourage you to be thoughtful and considerate when expressing your views and have empathy for others who may be affected in different ways by current events.
Kind regards,
Mark
Professor Mark Scott
Vice-Chancellor and President
Update: Wednesday 1 May 2024
Update on the protest encampment and expectations of conduct
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, wrote to students and staff today with an update on the protest encampment and expectations of conduct.
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Dear students and colleagues,
Recently I wrote to remind our community that at the University we have a long tradition of understanding peaceful protests and freedom of expression can be important demonstrations of free speech.
Today, I reaffirm our commitment to freedom of expression and our 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.
Expectations of conduct
Last week the Provost, Professor Annamarie Jagose, wrote to all students and all staff to make clear the principles that would guide our response to and actions regarding the protest encampment set up on our front lawns.
We made very clear that we would not hesitate to take firm and decisive disciplinary action if a student or staff member engaged in unacceptable conduct including:
- 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.
I regret to say that in recent days we’ve become aware of a number of alleged instances of unacceptable conduct associated with the encampment including:
- Slogans being graffitied on the walls of the Quadrangle
- A truck driver making an unauthorised delivery to the encampment spitting at and engaging in other offensive and abusive behaviour directed to University staff
- Protesters entering buildings and harassing staff
- Protesters blocking City Road and endangering the health and wellbeing of students and staff
I want to assure you the University considers these alleged behaviours completely unacceptable and that we take violations of our Student Charter (PDF, 219 KB) and our Code of Conduct very seriously. We are investigating these violations of our policies in the usual way, including cooperating with police investigations where alleged unacceptable conduct might have broken the law. The University is actively engaging with protesters and we will continue to monitor the behaviour at the encampment. From time to time, in the interests of safety, some buildings may be placed in secure mode meaning a valid student or staff card will be required to enter.
Support
- Information about what to do if you witness or experience unacceptable behaviour such as bullying, harassment, or discrimination is available on the intranet
- If you feel unsafe you can contact protective services on 9351 3333
- If you witness an incident please lodge a report in Riskware
- If you need support you can contact our Employee Assistance Program to access 24/7 confidential counselling for you and your family.
I encourage everyone to act with empathy for each other in these challenging times.
Kind regards,
Mark
Mark Scott
Vice Chancellor and President
Wednesday 24 April 2024
The University's Acting Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Annamarie Jagose, wrote to students and staff today about a protest encampment near our Quadrangle on our Camperdown-Darlinghurst campus.
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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