Melbourne University students face expulsion
Melbourne Uni students face expulsion over protest targeting Jewish academic Professor Steven Prawer’s office.
Two University of Melbourne students are facing expulsion for their roles in protests that included occupying the office of Jewish academic Professor Steven Prawer, with two other students facing suspension.
The university has formally notified the students that a committee has recommended their expulsion following the incident, which was part of protests demanding the university cut ties with Israeli universities.
Professor Prawer, who is affiliated with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was specifically targeted during the demonstration.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Johnston, who will make the final decision on the expulsions, said the university balances protest rights with campus safety.
“The University respects the rights of individuals to protest – this 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,” Professor Johnston said.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin strongly supports the university’s action, highlighting the dangerous nature of targeting individuals.
“There is a right to protest, even if the method is obnoxious but there is no right to target individuals, make them fearful for their safety, damage property and control whether students and staff can access their offices and classes. The targeting of Professor Prawer was dangerous and completely unacceptable,” Ryvchin said.
He warned about broader implications, referencing recent US incidents where similar ideology had led to violence.
Australian Academic Alliance Against Antisemitism Director, Associate Adjunct Professor David Knoll, said the university had “carefully identified the difference between peaceful protest which is permissible, and intimidation and trespass which cannot be condoned.”
Zionist Federation of Australia CEO Alon Cassuto condemned the treatment of Professor Prawer.
“What happened to Professor Prawer is appalling. No one should be harassed or intimidated for doing their job, let alone in such a vile, targeted way,” Cassuto said.
“What he’s faced isn’t protest; it’s a campaign to humiliate and silence a Jewish academic.”
The affected students retain the right to appeal the decisions through internal university processes.