Fri Sep 20 05:32:32 UTC 2024: ## University of Sydney Apologizes for Handling of Pro-Palestinian Encampment, Admits Failing Jewish Students
The University of Sydney’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark Scott, has apologized to Jewish students and staff for the university’s handling of a pro-Palestinian student encampment on campus earlier this year.
Scott admitted to a Senate inquiry into anti-Semitism on campus that he failed Jewish students by not taking stronger action to address their concerns during the eight-week protest. He specifically acknowledged that he declined an offer from New South Wales Police to use riot squad to remove the encampment, citing a desire to avoid escalating tensions.
“The testimonials are heartbreaking and unacceptable and for that I am sorry,” Scott said. “If students have felt unsafe or unwelcome, if that is their lived experience, if that is their testimony, we have failed them.”
He also admitted that he delayed taking action to address hate speech on campus despite concerns from students and staff.
Senator Sarah Henderson, who questioned Scott at the inquiry, accused him of “doing nothing for weeks and weeks” to address the situation.
The inquiry heard evidence from Jewish students who reported feeling unsafe and unwelcome on campus, with some alleging they were doxxed and the university infrastructure was graffitied with swastikas.
Zachary Morris, National vice president of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students, said the University of Sydney “is probably one of the worst places to be a Jewish student right now.”
The inquiry also heard from the Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University, Professor Genevieve Bell, who faced questioning about a student expelled for expressing unconditional support for Hamas. Bell refused to comment on the specific case, citing the university’s commitment to academic freedom and freedom of speech.
The inquiry is ongoing and will continue to hear from representatives of other universities.
First Piper 