A fundamental disagreement over the nature of a pro-Palestine protest has led to a clash between students and the University of Melbourne, with two students facing expulsion and two suspension. The university alleges “harassment and intimidation,” while the students insist their office occupation last October was “peaceful and clearly political.” These potential disciplinary actions would be the first of their kind for pro-Palestine student activists in Australia since 2023. The students are set to appeal.
The incident involved approximately 20 individuals who occupied an academic’s office for about 90 minutes. Their objective was to pressure the university to sever its ties with Israeli academic institutions, aligning with the global boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement. Footage circulated online depicted protesters entering the office with their faces obscured.
The university has cited alleged property damage, specifically mentioning stickers and writing on university and personal items. Conversely, the students maintain they informed those in the office and nearby about their protest and even offered to lower music volume to avoid disturbance.
For one student facing expulsion, her brief presence was deemed a violation despite no direct acts of damage or harassment. This strict interpretation of rules is consistent with the university’s recently implemented anti-protest policies, which have faced widespread criticism from various organizations, including human rights groups, for being “repressive.” While the university declines to comment on individual cases, it emphasizes its adherence to disciplinary processes and the students’ right to appeal.