Our expectations of behaviour on our campuses
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.
In line with our Charter of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom, we recognise that peaceful protest is a legitimate expression of free speech. Political speech, even when confronting, is not necessarily a breach of our policies or codes of conduct, but we do not tolerate any form of racism, threats to safety, hate speech, intimidation, threatening speech, bullying or unlawful harassment on our campuses.
Our expectations of behaviour on our campuses
So far, the encampment has been peaceful and respectful. However, there have been some incidents that have involved inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour which we are investigating and, if necessary, will act on in line with our policies. We’re also cooperating with police investigating where alleged conduct might have broken the law.
The encampment has also been joined by people including speakers who aren’t staff or students and are not part of the University community. While members of the public are welcome on our campus, all visitors are expected to assemble and protest peacefully and express their views in a thoughtful and considered manner.
Anyone who engages in unacceptable conduct may be requested by a University representative to leave campus. We reserve the right to withdraw permission for them to access our campuses. The police or other regulators may also choose to prosecute.
Unacceptable conduct includes:
harassing or intimidating people who may hold a different view or simply do not wish to engage in protest or debate
preventing free movement around campus
disruption to or obstructing access to University activities, operations or facilities
any conduct which poses a risk to persons or the environment
damage to property
unauthorised access to buildings or use of student or staff cards.
Additional measures in place
The current increased presence of people from outside our own community during this heightened environment requires additional resources and precautionary measures to help ensure our campuses remain safe.
We’ve increased our security profile across campus for the time being as a precautionary measure and have been liaising with NSW Police to assist with crowd management when needed.
If any external groups intend to come to our campus we also expect them to use our booking process so we can consider their request and, if appropriate, allocate sufficient safety measures, services, and resources to any events to help make sure our other planned activities are not disrupted.
Our position on the use of contested phrases
We implore our community to use clear phrases to say what they mean instead of slogans that are open to different interpretations or misinterpretation – especially if they know how offensive and upsetting they will be for some.
We’re not aware of any Australian court or government authority making a determination about the interpretation of these words and phrases, but we welcome the important discussions taking place and would of course abide by any legislative changes if they were to be made.
Support is available
We know this is an unsettling and upsetting time for some people in our community and urge anyone who feels unsafe or needs support to let us know so we can investigate and provide appropriate assistance.