‘Outraged': Student protesters face expulsion
The University of Melbourne has formally notified four student activists that they are being recommended for expulsion and suspension, Unimelb for Palestine student group revealed on Monday.
If the recommendations are upheld, the students will become the first pro-Palestine activists to be expelled over their protest actions in Australia.
Two student organisers have been notified they 'are getting expelled, and another two have been suspended,' a statement from Unimelb for Palestine said. Two students 'are getting expelled' and another two 'have been suspended' over pro-Palestinian protest participation, Unimelb for Palestine said. NewsWire / David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia
'If these decisions are upheld, Unimelb will become the first University in so-called Australia to expel students for protesting the genocide in Gaza.' the statement continued.
'The University of Melbourne has taken the extreme step of issuing expulsions and suspensions to students who participated in a peaceful protest.
'We were outraged, but not surprised.'
The final decision now rests on the universities new Vice Chancellor Emma Johnston, who has been in her position for less than a year.
In a statement to the Herald Sun, she said the University respects the rights of individuals to protest, which has not changed.
'Universities are places where free and open debate must take place, but the safety of our students and staff must also be protected as this is integral to enabling free and open debate.
'It's our responsibility to respond to any actions that may intimidate or threaten the safety of students and staff on our campuses. These matters are taken seriously and addressed under the appropriate policy which may include disciplinary procedures.' The disciplinary action comes after a period of heightened protests last year. NCA NewsWire / Blair Jackson Credit: News Corp Australia
The students participated in a sit in at Jewish academic Steven Prawer's office, which ended only after police were called to disband protesters.
Mr Prawer was specifically targeted as students campaigned for their university to cut ties with Israeli institutions, and Mr Prawer is affiliated with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The sit in was during height of a period of protests, where students hitched tents over campus in a peaceful protest. The students conducted a sit in at a Jewish Professors office. NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie Credit: News Corp Australia
The universities major Arts West building was also occupied in May 2024, disrupting more than 16,800 students as classes and exams were all impacted.
'The University respects the rights of individuals to protest – this has not changed,' Ms Johnston said.
'Universities are places where free and open debate must take place, but the safety of our students and staff must also be protected as this is integral to enabling free and open debate. 'It's our responsibility to respond to any actions that may intimidate or threaten the safety of students and staff on our campuses. Four students are facing serious disciplinary action over pro-Palestine protests. NewsWire / David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia
'These matters are taken seriously and addressed under the appropriate policy which may include disciplinary procedures.'
If Ms Johnston signs of on the expulsions and suspensions, the students will have 30 days to appeal.
Unimelb for Palestine are now campaigning to pressure Ms Johnston, who led her university's student union in the 1990s, to refrain from accepting the 'pathetic and desperate move from University executives'.
This comes after the Australian National University's expulsion Beatrice Tucker over her support for Hamas on ABC radio was overturned on appeal.
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The Advertiser
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An Aussie journalist has spoken of the chilling moment she realised a bunker she'd been trying to seek shelter in 'did not exist' as Iran launched missiles at Israel amid the countries' ongoing, deadly conflict. Channel 7 Europe Correspondent Jacquelin Robson is in Israel reporting on the country's escalating conflict with Iran. Robson told Sunrise she was out filming with her crew when they received an alert to seek shelter after missiles were fired from Iran. She was forced to pull over and try to find somewhere to shelter, telling the program of the chilling moment she realised a bunker she'd been trying to take refuge in didn't exist. 'There were some locals who were calling us over to a bunker, and we soon discovered that that bunker did not exist,' Robson told Sunrise. 'The final siren then sounded, and we were forced to run to find shelter, and found some space between some buildings.' Sirens can be heard going off in the footage as Robson puts on a helmet, crouching down in a corner against a building. Channel 7 Europe Correspondent Jacquelin Robson is in Israel reporting on the country's escalating conflict with Iran. Sunrise. Credit: Channel 7 Robson spoke of the chilling moment she realised a bunker in Israel she'd been trying to seek shelter in 'did not exist'. Sunrise. Credit: Channel 7 An explosion can be heard in the footage, with Robson saying it was the sound of a ballistic missile being intercepted. Israel last week attacked a string of Iranian nuclear and military sites, with missiles fired back and forth between the countries since. There have been reports of 224 deaths in Iran as a result of the deadly conflict. Israeli Military chief of staff Eyal Zamir on Friday warned the IDF was prepared for a 'prolonged campaign'. 'We have embarked on one the most complex campaigns in our history,' Mr Zamir said, according to SBS. 'We have embarked on a campaign to remove a threat of this magnitude and against such an enemy that requires readiness for a prolonged campaign. 'The IDF is prepared for this. 'Day by day, our freedom of action is expanding and the enemy's freedom of action is shrinking.' Robson managed to find space between buildings to take shelter. Sunrise. Credit: Supplied Sirens could be heard in the footage as Robson puts on a helmet. Sunrise Credit: Supplied Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday said the country was 'ready to consider diplomacy once again, once the aggression is stopped', SBS reported. 'In this regard, I make it crystal clear that Iran's defence capabilities are not negotiable,' Mr Araghchi said. He said Iran's nuclear program was 'peaceful'. Israel's United Nations ambassador Danny Danon said the country 'will not stop' until Iran's 'nuclear threat is dismantled', Sky News reported.
