Pro-Palestinian Activists to Defy Order to Remove University Encampment

Signage and tents are seen at the pro-Palestine encampment at the Deakin University Burwood campus in Melbourne, Australia, on May 14, 2024. AAP Image/James Ross

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.

“This request is being made to ensure the safety, security and amenity of all campus users.”

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.

“The University’s expectation was that the encampment would conclude and be dismantled at the end of the day last Friday,” the letter states.

“However, a small group have remained in continuous occupation at the Morgan’s Walk site at the Burwood campus of the weekend.”

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.

“Our camp is under attack. People with glass bottles, bats and fire extinguishers have attempted to breach the camp boundaries. we’re calling on the community to come with numbers to defend the camp and stay the night. We have tents available,” the group posted online.

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.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, responding to this on 3AW Melbourne.

“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.”

“And I say this to people, how they protest reflects on whether that protest is winning support or losing support.”

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.

“The university strongly supports academic freedom and freedom of speech on campus including the right to protest. With these rights come responsibilities.”

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.”

“It is only through listening to, and working with, students at the encampments that we can end both divisiveness on campus and injustice elsewhere,” the letter states.