Universities not doing enough to deal with protests and ‘highly personal’ attacks, antisemitism royal commission hears
Summary
A Jewish professor at the University of Melbourne spoke at a royal commission about a protest where pro-Palestine students occupied his office. The professor said the university must not allow bad behavior while supporting free speech, especially as Jewish students feel unsafe after recent antisemitic incidents.Key Facts
- On October 9, 2024, about 20 pro-Palestine students occupied the office of Professor Steven Prawer for 90 minutes.
- The students protested the university’s partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
- Two students were recommended for expulsion and two for suspension, but these penalties were overturned on appeal.
- Professor Prawer described the protest as a personal attack and said he feared potential links to Hamas.
- The university banned indoor protests after the office occupation.
- Jewish students and staff told the royal commission they feel unsafe and worried about antisemitism on campus.
- The Australasian Union of Jewish Students president reported aggressive questioning and threats towards Jewish students.
- Universities are being urged to define antisemitism clearly and improve how they handle hate incidents.
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