Victorian Premier Calls for End to ‘Reckless Behaviour’ at University Pro-Palestinian Camps

Pro-Palestinian students hold a sit-in in Melbourne on May 15, 2024 at Melbourne University's Arts West building, which the students have temporarily renamed as "Mahmoud's Hall" after Mahmoud Al Haq, a prospective University of Melbourne student, who died in Gaza. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has called for an end to “reckless behaviour” amid pro-Palestinian encampments at universities in Melbourne.

This comes as students at the University of Melbourne are still refusing to leave the Arts West building, which they now call “Mahmoud’s Hall.” It was renamed by activists in memory of a prospective student who died in Gaza.

This is despite Vice Chancellor Duncan Maskell directing all occupiers of the building to leave and remove the property.

In response to continued protest activity at universities within Victoria, Ms. Allan said the “reckless behaviour” needs to come to an end.

“We need to let the students who want to get back to their learning, get back to their learning,” she told reporters.

“I really do think we have reached a point where many Victorians are frustrated, are fed up with some of the reckless behaviour we’ve seen. I know I certainly am.”

Premier Calls for Calm and Respect

The premier called for “calm” and “respect” and said, “we should not be seeing violence overseas bring violence back to the streets of Melbourne.”

This comes after vice chancellor Mr. Maskell issued a notice to all persons in the Arts West building on May 20.

It explained university grounds cannot be used for protest that is not peaceful, or for protest that jeopardises the safety and security of those using the university premises.

“The university must act in the interests of all persons using its premises. In recent days, actions associated with protests at the university have become increasingly disruptive and unsafe. University property has been damaged and the arts west building has been occupied,” the notice available on Instagram states.

University Students Refuse to Comply With Demands To Disband

However, encampment organisers, Students for Palestine, said they would “not be moved” and arranged a dinner commencing at 6 p.m. on May 21, followed by a movie screening.

However, the University of Melbourne found the Arts West building was unfit for “occupation” and noted it is closed for work, teaching, learning and all associated activities.

An inspection on May 17 found multiple examples of damage inside the building, including to emergency exits and fire safety equipment.

The university noted this is causing “significant disruption” to normal university business.

Staff have also been warned that failing to comply with the direction could lead to a finding of misconduct or serious misconduct.

Students were told that refusing to comply could lead to being barred from exams and re-enrolment, along with the inability to attend classes or examinations.

Occupiers were also told that contravening the direction would be considered trespassing and may be referred to Victorian police.

On Tuesday, Mr. Maskell said the university remains concerned and disappointed to see the “refusal to leave the Arts West building.”

Victorian Police are continuing to monitor activity and liaise with university security to patrol the area and reassure the broader community.

Deakin University took the lead in issuing an order for organisers to immediately dismantle and remove an encampment in mid-May.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Kerrie Parker said the priority for administrators was to maintain a safe environment.

“You are asked to please attend to the immediate dismantling and removal of the current encampment at Morgan’s Walk,” the letter said.

Meanwhile, Students for Palestine at Monash University organised a rally on May 21 after nine students were reportedly threatened with suspension or expansion.

“Join us to stand against this attack on democratic rights to protest and show the university we will keep fighting for Palestine,” Monash students for Palestine wrote on Instagram.

In addition, La Trobe University students have been forced to disband their camp at the Bundoora Campus for the interests of the safety, wellbeing, and amenity of all campus users and visitors.

“La Trobe will continue to accommodate the right of students and staff to protest peacefully and respectfully without an encampment,” the university said.

Explaining the decision, the university said it is proud of its rich and diverse multicultural and multi-faith community and does not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism, including anti-Semitism or Islamophobia. “In keeping with our core values, we are committed to ensuring that our students can safely learn, engage, and participate fully in university life,” the university added.

Victorian Police Separate Palestinian and Israel Activists

Meanwhile, on May 19, police were forced to separate pro-Palestinian activists and anti-Semitism demonstrators following a confrontation in the city.

A pro-Israel “Never Again is Now” rally was held in front of the state Parliament House.

Victorian Police told The Epoch Times on May 20 that law enforcement had formed lines between the two opposing groups.

“While the organisers had confirmed separate locations and routes for their events, protestors from one group moved to Spring Street, Melbourne East to counter protest,” Victorian Police said.

“The police response was largely successful in keeping these two opposing groups separate.”

Speaking at the Never Again rally, Shadow Education Minister Sarah Henderson said every Australian has a right to be safe in their own country.

AAP contributed to this report.