Conflict in the Middle East and activism on campus

This web page has been established to provide updates and advice to the University community in response to increased activism on our campuses in relation to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Update: 2.30pm Thursday 23 May 2024

We welcome the willingness of the occupiers to leave the Arts West building and remove the encampment from our Parkville campus.

The University has published an update on research transparency under the Research section below.

Update: 8pm Wednesday 22 May 2024

We welcome the willingness of the occupiers to leave the Arts West building and remove the encampment from our Parkville campus.

The University remains concerned and disappointed to see the refusal to leave the Arts West building on our Parkville campus.

We are continuing to communicate with students and staff who require alternative arrangements to be made for classes and work previously scheduled to take place in Arts West.

Since the unauthorised occupation of the building commenced, the University has been forced to make alternative arrangements for 601 classes disrupting more than 16,800 students.

Classes outside the Arts West building remain unaffected by the occupation.

The University yesterday began distributing notices inside the Arts West building directing all persons occupying the building to leave the University’s grounds and to remove all personal property from the building. Further details relating to these directions are available below.

Notice to all persons in Arts West Building
Direction to remove property and leave University premises
Vice-Chancellor Regulation (sections 5, 15)

The University of Melbourne (University) is committed to being a place where the thoughtful exchange of divergent views may occur in a civil and peaceful manner, and respects the right to freedom of speech and expression and the right to assembly to engage in peaceful protest.

However, University grounds must not be used for protest that is not peaceful, for protest in a manner that jeopardises the safety and security of persons using University premises, or unreasonably interferes with core University activities.

Camping is not allowed on University premises. Occupation of buildings is not permitted.

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.

On Friday 17 May an inspection of the physical safety conditions of the Arts West building on the Parkville campus was completed by personnel with expertise in facilities, fire safety and occupational health and safety. The inspection found multiple examples of damage inside the building, including to essential safety measures such as damage and obstructions to required emergency exits, fire panel access, and fire-fighting equipment. As a result, the Arts West building is unfit for occupation and is closed for work, teaching and learning, and all associated activities.

This is a significant disruption to normal University business.

The University directs all persons occupying the Arts West building to leave the University’s grounds and to remove all personal property from the building

To all persons:
Any person who contravenes this direction will be trespassing on University grounds and may be referred to Victoria Police

To University students:
A failure to comply with this direction:

May result in an Immediate Order being issued to minimise a range of serious risks including to the health and safety of others and risk of material disruption of University activities. This may result in (amongst other things):
- An inability to attend classes or examinations
- Exclusion from enrolment or re-enrolment
- Restrictions on access to University property and facilities

Will be improper behaviour in contravention of a University regulation or failure to comply with a reasonable direction, which may constitute student general misconduct under the Student Conduct Policy and may result in (amongst other things):
- Requirement to pay cost of repairs for damage
- Sanctions on enrolment
- Suspension or termination of enrolment

To University staff:
A failure to comply with this direction may be a failure to follow a lawful direction given by the employer which may constitute misconduct or serious misconduct

Authorised by Duncan Maskell
The Vice-Chancellor
The University of Melbourne

The University remains concerned and disappointed to see the refusal to leave the Arts West building on our Parkville campus.

The University had previously advised students and staff with classes or work scheduled to take place in the Arts West building on Monday 20 May and Tuesday 21 May that, due to the occupation of the building and associated safety issues, alternative arrangements were being made, bringing the total number of students affected by the disruption to more than 15,000 across 474 classes.

Following an inspection of the physical safety conditions of the Arts West building conducted on Friday 17 May, and subsequent closure of that building from Friday evening, the requirement for alternative arrangements will be extended. Students will receive further communications from their subject coordinators and staff members will receive an update from the Dean of Arts or Head of School as required.

Classes outside the Arts West building remain unaffected by the occupation.

Students and staff are encouraged to avoid the area around Arts West and are reminded to carry their staff and student ID cards at all times when on campus as they will be required to access all buildings.

The continued occupation of University sites presents an unacceptable risk to the safety, security and work of our entire community. We remain deeply concerned about this activity, damage to University property – including to essential safety measures such as damage and obstructions to required emergency exits, fire panel access, and fire-fighting equipment inside Arts West – and disruptive intent of some, including external actors, to our Parkville campus.

The University is concerned about the level of misinformation and disinformation being shared online, and urges everyone, including protestors and media, to consider what is being shared and to verify facts.

We remind University of Melbourne students and staff that they must comply with relevant codes of conduct as previously communicated, and external actors may not use University grounds for protest. Any individual who refuses to comply will be subject to the relevant consequences, be they internal disciplinary action, referral to police, or both.

As we have always stated in relation to this matter, freedom of speech is respected and supported at the University of Melbourne and is central to our values and identity. However, any form of protest extending to sustained disruption for other students and staff, violence, property damage, threat or intimidation contravenes the University codes of conduct or law.

We also acknowledge the fear and distress this occupation is creating for our students and staff members. Please report any concerns to our Safer Community Program and make use of our free and confidential Counselling and Psychological Services.

On Friday 17 May an inspection of the physical safety conditions of the Arts West building on the Parkville campus was completed by personnel with expertise in facilities, fire safety and occupational health and safety. This building is not a residential building and as such, is not designed to support accommodation. The inspection found multiple examples of damage inside the building, including to essential safety measures such as damage and obstructions to required emergency exits, fire panel access, and fire-fighting equipment.

As a result, the current conditions created by the unauthorised occupants have made the Arts West building unfit for work or study. As such, the building will be closed for work, teaching and learning, and all associated activities. Staff or students requiring access to the building, including to retrieve personal belongings or equipment, should contact University Security on tel: 8344 6666.

Today marks the third day that occupiers have refused to leave the Arts West building to allow our students and staff to continue their studies and work. Once again, the occupation has required that the University reschedule classes. We encourage all members of our community to avoid the area.

We remain deeply concerned by this continued occupation of a central building on our Parkville campus. This occupation presents a significant safety risk to our students and staff members, and has resulted in damage to University property. We are also deeply concerned by the escalation in action and disruptive intent of some, including external actors, to our Parkville campus. There is no doubt that this group has under-estimated their intimidatory impact on members of our community.

We regret the ongoing disruption that this occupation by a small number of individuals is causing our university community, especially at this critical time of semester. Since Wednesday 15 May, more than 8300 students have been affected by the disruption and rescheduling of 247 classes. All classes outside the Arts West building are unaffected by the occupation.

Staff and students are reminded to carry their staff and student ID cards at all times when on campus as they will be required to access all buildings.

The University of Melbourne maintains its concern about the level of misinformation and disinformation being shared online and urges protestors and media to consider what is being shared and to verify facts.

The University yesterday issued a notice outlining that the University grounds may not be used for: protest that is not peaceful; or protest by members of the public who are not students or staff members. Until further notice, any person, other than a University student or staff member, who engages or intends to engage in any protest activities is directed not to enter, access or otherwise be present in, University grounds. Any person who contravenes this direction will be trespassing on University grounds and may be referred to Victoria Police.

The continued occupation of University sites presents an unacceptable risk to the safety, security and important work of our entire community. The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority. As we strive to bring about a peaceful solution, we are continuing to engage with student representatives and groups from across the University.

The University has increased security on campus to support our staff and students. University Security follows established protocols to respond to disruptions and unscheduled activities on campus to ensure the safety and security of all, including those participating in protest or activism.

We are also continuing to work closely with Victoria Police in response to ongoing protests and activity on campus. University Security has a long-standing working relationship with Victoria Police and established internal protocols for engaging Victoria Police where required.

In order to observe and maintain public order, Victoria Police may choose to attend campus at any time. At this stage Victoria Police has not been requested to intervene or remove any protestors.

We reiterate that the University deplores and actively stands against all forms of racism, including Antisemitism and Islamophobia, as outlined in our Anti-racism commitment.

We also acknowledge the fear and distress this occupation is creating for our students and staff members. We continue to encourage our people to report any concerns to our Safer Community Program and make use of our free and confidential Counselling and Psychological Services.

Further updates will be provided when available.

Notice to members of the public

Prohibition on attending protests on Melbourne University grounds.
Vice-Chancellor Regulation (section 15)

The University of Melbourne (University) respects and supports the right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. However, the safety and security of students and staff using University premises must come first.

University grounds may not be used for:

protest that is not peaceful; or
protest by members of the public who are not students or staff members.

Until further notice, any person, other than a University student or staff member, who engages or intends to engage in any protest activities is directed not to enter, access or otherwise be present in, University grounds.

Any person who contravenes this direction will be trespassing on University grounds and may be referred to Victoria Police.

Authorised by Duncan Maskell
Vice-Chancellor
The University of Melbourne

Today the University of Melbourne again insisted that, in peace, occupiers leave the Arts West building and University campus so that our 80,000 students and staff can continue their studies and work.

We are deeply concerned by the escalation in action, damage to University property and disruptive intent of some, including external actors, to our Parkville campus.

The continued occupation of University sites presents an unacceptable risk to the safety, security, and important work of our entire community.

We are talking with student leaders as we strive to bring about a peaceful solution. We are concurrently working closely with the police and our security teams to manage the situation and similarly seek a peaceful conclusion. The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is our priority.

University of Melbourne students and staff must comply with relevant codes of conduct, and external actors may not use University grounds for protest.

Any individual who refuses to comply will be subject to the relevant consequences, be they internal disciplinary action, referral to police, or both.

Since Wednesday 15 May, more than 5000 students and staff have been affected by the disruption and rescheduling of 150 classes.

We regret the inconvenience this occupation by a small number of individuals is causing our University community, especially at this critical time of semester.

As we have always stated in relation to this matter, freedom of speech is respected and supported at the University of Melbourne and is central to our values and identity. Any form of protest extending to sustained disruption for other students and staff, violence, property damage, threat or intimidation contravenes the University codes of conduct or law.

The University of Melbourne maintains its concern about the level of mis and disinformation being shared online and urges protestors and media to consider what is being shared and to verify facts.

We will provide updates as new information emerges.

The University of Melbourne regrets to advise there is no access to Arts West today, Thursday 16 May, due to disruption and safety issues caused by protest activity within that building. Classes will therefore not take place in that building.

Alternative arrangements will be communicated via subject coordinators. Students with classes scheduled in Arts West are being advised, and are asked to check the Learning Management System (LMS) for updates.

The University is working with University Security to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff. If you have concerns for your safety, please raise these with your supervisor in the first instance.

For additional support, you may wish to access our Counselling and Psychological Services, or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

We regret the inconvenience the protest is causing our University community.

Further information will be provided as soon as it is available, and we thank you for your patience at this challenging time.

The University of Melbourne can confirm that protestors are occupying the Arts West Building and is concerned by the escalation of these actions.

The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is our priority and we are working closely with the appropriate authorities to address this matter as soon as possible and to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Freedom of speech is respected and supported at the University of Melbourne and is central to our values and identity.

The University welcomes debate and peaceful protest on campus, provided it does not extend to violence, threat or intimidation.

This week we expressed our deep concern about the disruptive intent of some external visitors to our Parkville campus and made clear that, where there are instances of unacceptable behaviour, we will investigate and take appropriate action.

Earlier today University leadership attended the protest without security or police to ask them to leave the building peacefully.

Those involved in the protest were advised that in the event they did not leave peacefully, the matter could be referred to security and police. Many involved in the protest today are independent of the encampment.

Regrettably, we have had to cancel teaching activities for the afternoon of Wednesday, 15 May, scheduled in the Arts West Building, causing significant disruption to many students and staff.

Today's behaviour, including the refusal to leave the building, was unacceptable and will be investigated.

The University of Melbourne is also increasingly concerned about the level of mis and disinformation being shared online and urges protestors and media to consider what is being shared and to verify facts.

We will provide updates as new information emerges.

Protest activity is currently underway in the Arts West building on the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus.

This protest activity has been determined to breach University policy and protesters have been asked to vacate the building by 2.30pm.

The University is working with University Security and, if required, Victoria Police to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff.

Classes in Arts West have been cancelled from 3:15pm on Wednesday 15 May 2024. Further advice will be provided via subject coordinators once available.

For the safety and security of all students and staff, please avoid the area.

Staff or students with concerns other than immediate security concerns should contact the Safer Community Program.

For additional support, students may wish to access our Counselling and Psychological Services, and Staff may wish to explore available counselling services and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

The University of Melbourne is a diverse, multi-cultural and multi-faith community made up of more than 80,000 students and staff combined, where a wide range of views exist. All perspectives are welcome, but these must be expressed in a respectful way, so that all students and staff can fully participate in university life.

Our campuses must be safe and welcoming for all students and staff, and the University has emphasised our shared responsibility to be respectful of each other at all times.

The University deplores and actively stands against all forms of racism, including Antisemitism and Islamophobia as outlined in our Anti-racism commitment. We also condemn all acts of violence and terrorism.

Executive leaders of the University are in communication with representatives of groups affected by current events to discuss their concerns, including those participating in peaceful protest. The University remains open to continued dialogue.

Senior leaders also meet regularly with official elected student representatives from the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU), UMSU-International and the University of Melbourne Graduate Student Association (GSA), and representatives of a wide range of student clubs and societies, including our Jewish student society, Islamic student society and others, to understand and implement appropriate support.

Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom

The University has a duty to uphold principles of academic freedom and free speech, and respect for legitimate and peaceful protest is core to our university’s values, as well as an activity protected by law.

Debate and peaceful protest are welcome on campus, provided these do not extend to violence, threat or intimidation. Freedom of speech is respected and supported at the University of Melbourne and is central to our values and identity.

The University does not support the exercise of freedom of speech when the speech undermines the capacity of individuals to participate fully in the University, is unlawful, prejudices the fulfilment by the University of its duty to foster the safety and wellbeing of staff and students, or unreasonably disrupts activities or operations of the University. At all times, the safety of our staff, students and visitors is paramount.

All staff and students have received communications from the Vice-Chancellor and Academic Registrar outlining our support of peaceful protest and the rights and responsibilities that accompany this.

For more information including an overview of our policies and behaviours that are not acceptable, please visit our Freedom of Speech page and Policy Library.

Protecting the safety and wellbeing of our staff and students

The University is working closely with elected representatives of student groups affected by current events to understand and implement appropriate support for students and graduate researchers during this time, with an increase in provisions for health and wellbeing, assessments, and safety on our campuses.

Staff and students encountering unacceptable behaviour on campus are encouraged to raise concerns or seek support. The following resources are available:

Safer Community: if you ever have concerns for your safety, please contact our Safer Community program
University Security: for urgent assistance, contact University Security
SafeZone app: for quick access to campus safety updates, and to request assistance from University Security if needed.
Counselling and Psychological Services, available to both students and staff
Student support services: explore our student health and wellbeing digital hub, including available 24/7 support
Staff support services: find out about support for staff, including our Employee Assistance Program.
Social media use: Read our guidelines for appropriate behaviour on social media.

The University has increased security on campus to support the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff, including those participating in peaceful protest. University Security follows established protocols to respond to disruptions and unscheduled activities on campus to ensure the safety and security of all, including those participating in protest or activism. To observe and maintain public order, Victoria Police may choose to attend campus at any time. Any member of the public, or member of the university community can call the police at any stage.

Research

As a publicly-spirited university, our purpose is to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research.

In line with our commitment to academic freedom, staff and students of the University are free to engage in scholarly research and collaborative projects with other scholars and organisations, within the parameters of the University of Melbourne’s research ethics and integrity codes, and Australian law. Our arrangements and joint activities with other universities are subject to regular review and due diligence scrutiny.

The University works with the Australian Government, research funding bodies, our defence agencies and with industry partners on projects related to defence and national security. This research helps to strengthen Australia’s sovereign capabilities to support members of our Australian defence forces, to support stability in the region, to face emerging security threats and to respond to natural disasters.

All agreements go through a rigorous due diligence process. Research at the University of Melbourne is subject to Australian law. This includes the Export Controls Act and the Defence and Strategic Goods List. It complies with the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) in defence related research. It is compliant with and approved under the relevant research ethics and integrity codes and is reviewed by the University of Melbourne Research Due Diligence Advisory Group.

Find out more about the University's research, including information on the University’s research ethics and integrity.

Research transparency

The University is aware of the interest in our university community about our research program and our association with external organisations.

The University wishes to re-state its long-standing position on research.

In line with our commitment to academic freedom, staff and students of the University are free to engage in scholarly research and collaborative projects with other scholars and organisations, within the parameters of the University of Melbourne’s research ethics and integrity codes, and Australian law. The University supports all our academic staff members and is strongly committed to their academic freedom. Our arrangements and joint activities with other universities are subject to regular review and due diligence scrutiny.

In an effort to provide greater transparency and remove ambiguity about research being conducted at the University, the University is committing to additional disclosure of its research grant arrangements as they relate to research projects, the parties who support that research and the quantum. Disclosure is subject to confidentiality obligations, national security regulations and laws, and the safety and security of our researchers undertaking their academic work.

Currently, the University makes information related to the topic and duration of research projects available to all members of the university community and the public. Further updates will be made available on the University’s website progressively, commencing in June.

This commitment reflects the University’s dedication to fostering informed dialogue and understanding about our contributions to Australia's social and economic wellbeing, including in our commitment to the defence and national security of Australia. The University welcomes continued engagement and discourse within our community as we work together towards a safer and more secure future for all people in Australia.

We have been engaging with a broad range of staff members and student groups about their interest in this work since last year and we will continue to do so. Our discussions have included some who have been involved in protests and in constructive dialogue with us for some time.

Complaints

Students or staff wishing to make a formal complaint about the behaviour or actions of another member of the University community are encouraged to use the following channels:

Students wishing to make a complaint: Student complaints and grievances
Staff wishing to make a complaint: Complaints (Staff Hub login required)

If you would like to discuss your concerns before submitting a complaint, please reach out to the Safer Community Program.

The below communication was sent to all students of the University of Melbourne by the Academic Registrar on 22 March 2024.

I am writing to outline your rights and responsibilities as a member of our University community, specifically when it comes to protests, activism, raising complaints and every individual’s right to feel safe on campus. You have an important role to play in contributing to everybody’s sense of belonging and security.

Many of our students and staff have strong ties to other communities, including those facing hardship, conflict, distress and significant suffering.

Respectful disagreement, freedom of speech and our policies

The University actively supports members of our student community to exercise their right to freedom of expression and to protest on issues that matter to them.

Our University community is home to many different views and opinions, and you may strongly disagree with some of these. Open-minded inquiry, encountering challenging ideas and respectful disagreement are part of the fabric of the University.

While we support your right to protest and express your ideas, please recognise that such rights and freedoms come with limitations. Our shared responsibility to respect the rights of others in the University and the broader community are outlined in our Student Charter.

We have official policies that serve to protect protests and other forms of student activism on campus and during University-supported activities, as well as to prevent actions or behaviour that adversely affect other members of the University community.

Examples of actions or behaviours that may breach our policies include, but are not limited to:

Unreasonable disruption or forced cancellation of classes or events
Infringing the rights of others to participate in activities
Blocking access to buildings or activities
Causing damage to University property
Posing a risk to others’ safety and wellbeing
Subjecting others to disrespectful, aggressive, intimidating or harassing behaviour
Vilifying an individual on their own or as part of a group
Taking photographs, video or audio recordings of classes without express permission from the supervising staff member and the written permission of any identifiable individual.

Seek support and know where to find out more

As noted above, while each of us has a right to freedom of speech, you are also able to raise concerns and seek support.

Please feel free to seek support or to raise a concern by writing to me.
If you ever have concerns for your safety, please contact our Safer Community program.

You may wish to explore the resources below:

Student charter and Student Conduct Policy: key principles and rules outlining our values, your responsibility and what you’re entitled to expect
Anti-racism commitment: our actions to respond to and prevent racism
Freedom of Speech Policy and Academic Freedom of Expression Policy
Health and wellbeing digital hub: resources and services to provide you with support.

We will not tolerate any form of racism or violence on our campuses or within our communities.

Thank you for playing your part to create a welcoming place for all.

To all members of our University community,

I write to you in relation to activity on our Parkville campus today where a group of students are exercising their right to protest by setting up an encampment on the University’s South Lawn.

As I wrote to you back in October, the conflict in Israel and Gaza has created great fear, distress and suffering. This affects both our Jewish and our Palestinian and Muslim communities, around the world and here on campus.

The University of Melbourne is a diverse, multi-cultural and multi-faith community made up of more than 80,000 students and staff combined, where a wide range of views exists. All perspectives are welcome, but these must be expressed in a peaceful and respectful way, so that everyone can fully participate in university life.

The University deplores and actively stands against all forms of racism, including Antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Policies and conduct

Respect for peaceful protest is core to the University’s values and such protest is protected by law and our policies. We have a duty to uphold the principles of academic freedom and free speech. Equally, everyone has the right to be safe and to feel welcome on campus. As an institution and as individual members of the university community, each of us has a duty to ensure that our students, staff, and those visiting our campus are not subjected to violence, threat or intimidation. At all times, the safety of our staff, students and visitors is paramount.

As communicated to all students in March, the University’s policies provide the framework for ensuring that the university operates fairly and in accordance with the law. Our policies also provide the basis for addressing actions or behaviour that adversely affect other members of the University community. The relevant policies are as follows:

To be clear, behaviours we will not tolerate and that may breach our policies include, but are not limited to:

Unreasonable disruption or forced cancellation of classes or events
Infringing the rights of others to participate in activities
Blocking access to buildings or activities
Causing damage to University property
Posing a risk to others’ safety and wellbeing
Subjecting others to disrespectful, aggressive, intimidating or harassing behaviour
Vilifying an individual on their own or as part of a group
Taking photographs, video or audio recordings of classes without express permission from the supervising staff member and the written permission of any identifiable individual.

Support and security on campus

Senior representatives of the University are in direct communication with students on a range of matters related to the current activism on campus, including elected representatives of several official student organisations.

Any member of our University community with concerns for their safety should contact our Safer Community program, or, for assistance with an immediate concern, University Security.

To ensure the safety and security of all, including those participating in protest or activism, University Security follows established protocols to respond to disruptions and unscheduled activities on campus. In addition, in order to observe and maintain public order, Victoria Police may themselves choose independently of the University to attend campus at any time.

Finally, I implore you to treat every individual in our university community with respect and consideration, regardless of any difference of opinion. The right to freedom of expression comes with the shared responsibility to uphold and acknowledge the rights of others.

Professor Duncan Maskell
Vice-Chancellor

To all members of our university community,

We are a diverse, multi-cultural and multi-faith scholarly community made up of more than 80,000 students and staff. We come together for the purposes of education and research. We pride ourselves on the diversity of the people who join us. Our community spans young people starting their tertiary academic journey to staff members who work at the University in a range of different academic and professional roles. We comprise people from very different ethnic and national backgrounds; and people holding divergent political and religious identities and beliefs.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has profound significance for some of our staff and students and their views differ, at times fundamentally.

Some members of our community continue to exercise their right to free speech and the right to peacefully protest. In Victoria those rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are recognised in state laws. The University’s policies reflect who we are, our academic mission and the law, including the right to protest.

As an institution, we have a duty to uphold the principles of free speech and academic freedom. Our duty also extends to providing a scholarly environment where all individuals are safe and welcome, while enabling the University to continue its operations.

We firmly believe that respectful and non-disruptive protests on our campuses must allow all members of our community to participate fully and freely in university life, without fear, threat or intimidation. We are mindful of the effect of the ongoing encampment on our South Lawn, one of the University’s major communal open spaces in Parkville, on all members of our university community. At all times, the safety of our staff and students is paramount and this includes those encamped.

As the grounds of the university are public open spaces, we also are deeply concerned about the disruptive intent of some external visitors to our Parkville campus. Where there are instances of unacceptable behaviour, we will investigate and take appropriate action, which may involve referral to the police.

We have been engaging with a broad range of staff and student groups about the impacts of the conflict since last year and we continue to do so. We hear the pain and distress that some of our students and staff are experiencing, particularly our Jewish and Palestinian staff and students.

The University deplores and actively stands against all forms of racism, including Antisemitism and Islamophobia, as outlined in our Anti-racism commitment. The University has been advancing work on its first Anti-Racism Action Plan for some time, which seeks to ensure equitable opportunities, participation, fairness, and safety for all members of our university community. I extend my sincere thanks to our 1049 students and staff members who participated in the recent consultation activities which concluded at the end of April. Your input will inform the next phase of this important work that is being led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Barry Judd, with my support.

In response to ongoing interest and concern regarding these matters, and the evolving nature of the situation, a dedicated web page has been created to provide a central source of information and advice. This site will be updated as required to ensure all members of our university community can easily access information regarding current activities and the support that is available to our students and staff members.

Finally, I reiterate the need for us all to actively maintain and protect the right of every individual to be safe and feel welcome on our campuses, regardless of background or beliefs. I encourage anyone that feels they need support, wishes to report an incident of unacceptable behaviour or has any concerns for their safety to please contact our Safer Community Program. We are working hard to address all concerns raised within our university community in the current context.

As a scholarly institution, we are a place where ideas are tested, challenged, and refined through research, considered and rational debate, and exposure to views different from our own. I urge everyone to consider what it means to belong to a university community like ours that is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the productive exchange of ideas where all feel equally empowered to participate. As members of our community grieve, we need to continue to demonstrate our compassion and respect for each other.

Pip Nicholson
Acting Provost

Notice to members of the public

University grounds may not be used for:

protest that is not peaceful; or
protest by members of the public who are not students or staff members.

Authorised by Duncan Maskell
Vice-Chancellor
The University of Melbourne

To all members of our university community,

Further to my email earlier in the week regarding continued activism on our campus, we are concerned and disappointed to see the refusal to leave the Arts West building on our Parkville campus.

The continued occupation of University sites presents an unacceptable risk to the safety, security and work of our entire community. We remain deeply concerned about this activity, damage to University property and disruptive intent of some, including external actors, to our Parkville campus. There is no doubt that this group has under-estimated their intimidatory impact on members of our community.

We are also concerned about the level of misinformation and disinformation being shared online, and I urge everyone, including protestors and media to consider what is being shared and to verify facts.

The University’s latest statements are available on the dedicated website and we will continue to publish the latest information there.

Despite the disruption in Arts West, we are looking forward to the final week of semester and the continuation of teaching and learning activities across all our campuses. As always, I wish all our students the best for SWOT VAC and the examination period ahead.

Given there have been external actors on campus, staff and students are reminded to carry their staff and student ID cards at all times as they will be required to access all buildings.

We aspire to continue to meet in good faith with student representatives and groups from across the University, including those who claim to be leading the occupation, who we met with again this afternoon.

Pip Nicholson
Acting Provost

Notice to all persons in Arts West Building
Direction to remove property and leave University premises
Vice-Chancellor Regulation (sections 5, 15)

Camping is not allowed on University premises. Occupation of buildings is not permitted.

This is a significant disruption to normal University business.

The University directs all persons occupying the Arts West building to leave the University’s grounds and to remove all personal property from the building

To all persons:
Any person who contravenes this direction will be trespassing on University grounds and may be referred to Victoria Police

To University students:
A failure to comply with this direction:

May result in an Immediate Order being issued to minimise a range of serious risks including to the health and safety of others and risk of material disruption of University activities. This may result in (amongst other things):
- An inability to attend classes or examinations
- Exclusion from enrolment or re-enrolment
- Restrictions on access to University property and facilities

Will be improper behaviour in contravention of a University regulation or failure to comply with a reasonable direction, which may constitute student general misconduct under the Student Conduct Policy and may result in (amongst other things):
- Requirement to pay cost of repairs for damage
- Sanctions on enrolment
- Suspension or termination of enrolment

To University staff:
A failure to comply with this direction may be a failure to follow a lawful direction given by the employer which may constitute misconduct or serious misconduct

Authorised by Duncan Maskell
The Vice-Chancellor
The University of Melbourne

To all members of the University community,

I am pleased to say that we have achieved a peaceful resolution to the occupation of the Arts West building and the South Lawn encampment.

Through our continued engagement with students and staff members over several months, we have heard that some members of our community have a renewed interest in our research program. We have updated our Middle East Conflict website with further information on these matters with a particular focus on our commitments regarding transparency, which I copy below:

The University is aware of the interest in our university community about our research program and our association with external organisations.

The University wishes to re-state its long-standing position on research.

In line with our commitment to academic freedom, staff and students of the University are free to engage in scholarly research and collaborative projects with other scholars and organisations, within the parameters of the University of Melbourne’s research ethics and integrity codes, and Australian law. The University supports all our academic staff members and is strongly committed to their academic freedom. Our arrangements and joint activities with other universities are subject to regular review and due diligence scrutiny.

I know this has been a challenging period for students and staff who have had their studies and work disrupted and for those also who have made plain to our support services that that they have felt unwelcome at their institution.

We remain committed to providing a safe, welcoming community and environment for all students and staff. This requires all of us to treat each other with respect and consideration, regardless of our perspectives, and ensure we entrench a practice of respectful disagreement.

I thank you for your commitment to this.

Duncan Maskell