Unis Urged to Halt Crackdown on Palestine Protests

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Higher Education Spokesperson has responded to news that two University of Melbourne students have been recommended for expulsion and two for suspension for taking part in a pro-Palestine demonstration at the university last October.

This development is an example of increasing protest restrictions at campuses throughout Australia, and coincides with Israel's escalating aid blockade of Gaza and a UN warning that Gaza's entire population is at risk of famine.

As stated by Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

"The tide is finally shifting inch by inch, with France, the UK and Canada all threatening sanctions on Israel due to the escalating genocide in Gaza. But Australia is going the opposite way, with universities shamefully doubling down against Palestine activists and insisting on being on the wrong side of history.

"Universities like the University of Melbourne should cease the disciplinary witch hunts on brave student activists and issue a public apology for the McCarthyist crackdown on staff and students speaking out for a free Palestine.

"From draconian anti-protest policies and police interventions to surveillance, suspensions and disciplinary actions, university management have used every trick in the book to stifle activism and they should unreservedly apologise for this.

"Since the genocide in Gaza began, students and staff at universities have led the way in rallying against Israel's atrocities, and they continue to pay the price.

"Universities should stop sanctioning students and start divesting from the major arms manufacturers which contribute to and profit from Israel's slaughter of Palestinians.

"The Greens will always stand with the courageous students holding their universities to account for their moral cowardice when it comes to Israel's genocide in Gaza."