Pro-Palestinian activists at Deakin University have vowed not to comply with an order from university management to take down their encampment.
The students are planning a rally on May 15 to defend their mini-tent city, saying they need to show Deakin administrators they will not be moved.
“We are part of a global student movement fighting for the liberation of Palestine. We demand an end to all weapons partnerships at Deakin,” the group said.
This comes after Deakin Deputy Vice-Chancellor Kerrie Parker wrote to organisers asking for the “immediate dismantling and removal” of the camp.
In the letter seen by The Epoch Times, Ms. Parker said the priority for administrators was to maintain a safe environment at Deakin.
“You are asked to please attend to the immediate dismantling and removal of the current encampment at Morgan’s Walk,” the letter said to organisers.
Encampments Overstayed Allotted Time: Vice Chancellor
Students were informed that their freedom to protest was not being impeded.“However, the right to freedom of speech does not extend to the establishment of unauthorised camps which pose hygiene and safety risks and restrict the access, availability and use of Deakin premises and facilities for the benefit of the Deakin community and users,” Ms. Parker wrote.
Inspired by a global movement, university students around Australia established “Palestine solidarity encampments” to stand against the “bombings, invasion, and occupation” of Gaza by Israeli forces.
The students are demanding tertiary institutions cut all ties with the state of Israel and weapons manufacturers, noting that “over 35,000 people” have now been killed in Gaza.
Such encampments have been set up at the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of Adelaide, RMIT University, La Trobe University, Australian National University, and University of Wollongong among others.
The vice-chancellor also revealed the encampment was supposed to run only from May 7 to 10, 2024.
Shadow Education Minister Praises ‘Leadership’ of Deakin
Shadow Education Minister Sarah Henderson described Deakin’s order as “leadership.”“Labor and all universities must show the same commitment to the right of every person to access and enjoy a safe and secure learning and working environment, free of impediment, intimidation and harassment,” Ms. Henderson said.
Victorian Police have reportedly written to university vice-chancellors asking for more power to shut down encampments, raising fears there could be “violence” between protestor and counter protest groups.
In footage shared to social media by University of Melbourne for Palestine, students are seen shouting and throwing glass bottles.
Clashes also erupted at Monash University between protest groups with chants of “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” being heard at a Jewish event commemorating Israeli victims.
“It certainly is a matter for the authorities, for the police,” he said. “We in this country have a right to protest ... but it’s important as well that it be respectful.”
ANU Warns Encampment Dividing Community
Meanwhile, Australian National University’s (ANU) Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Grady Venville also warned students the encampment were “dividing” the community and causing harm, in a letter dated May 10.The letter, also seen by The Epoch Times, warned students to reflect on their behaviour and called for respectful protest.
“I am informally letting you know that I have received multiple reports and complaints that the encampment in which you are participating and your behaviours are potentially in breach of the student code of conduct. The encampment is dividing our community and causing members of our community harm,” Ms. Venville said.
350 Academics Sign Letter Supporting Camps
Meanwhile, “Monash Staff for Palestine” have drafted a letter signed by 350 academics saying they were “proud” of the students for setting up “peaceful encampments” across Australia.The group demands political leaders and media outlets cease “rhetorical attacks on, and vilification of the student encampments.”
