CIRCULAR to Staff from JENNIE SHAW, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, 1 May 2024 .… A Circular which I, as an Uni-Adelaide Staff retiree, received today: now presented with highlighting [in red] imposed and photographs added; and other news items as essential contextualization.
Dear Colleagues
You may be aware that a protest encampment has been set up today on the North Terrace campus.
The group said it did not know how many people would take part in the Adelaide protest but it would stay as long as needed.
As an institution of higher learning, the University of Adelaide proudly encourages critical thinking and respectful debate. Freedom of speech, subject to the law, is a right everyone holds, and it is fundamental to upholding our democratic values. We support students’ rights to lawful freedom of speech, including their right to engage in peaceful and respectful protest.
We are committed to the principles of academic freedom and freedom of speech, however the University does not tolerate behaviour or conduct that is unlawful or affects the University’s fulfilment of its duty to foster the wellbeing of students and staff. This includes the physical safety and amenity of our campuses for all in our community.
Under the University’s Behaviour and Conduct Policy, unacceptable behaviour including harassment, bullying, vilification, racial vilification and racist behaviour, sexual harassment and sexual assault, discrimination, victimisation, intimidating behaviour or violence will not be tolerated.
It is important that our campuses remain a safe and inclusive space for all members of our community to study and work. All of us have an obligation to behave in a way that fosters a respectful learning and working environment. When expressing views, language that could be viewed as discriminatory, inciting hatred or engaging in racial vilification should not be used.
Support is available to all staff through the University’s confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and to all students through Student Counselling. I encourage you to make use of these services if you feel they would be of assistance.
Concerns about any behaviour that causes an individual to feel unsafe can be reported to the University’s Integrity Unit. This includes reports about harassment, discrimination or any other unacceptable behaviour. Information about reporting options and support services available to staff and students is available on the Safer Campus Community website.
Our campus Security services are available 24/7 at all campuses and can be contacted by phone on 8313 5444. The team offers security escorts for both staff and students throughout campus if needed.With best wishes
With best wishes,
Jennie
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Professor Jennie Shaw, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic) Division of Academic and Student Engagement I The University of Adelaide I Adelaide SA 5005 I Australia I +61 8 8313 5901 I dvca@adelaide.edu.au
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Charlie Gilbert in Indaily: 1 April 2024
A pro-Palestine student group plans to set up a campsite at the University of Adelaide today to protest Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, following similar protests which have thrown some US campuses into turmoil.
Israel’s war in Gaza started after thousands of Hamas militants burst across the Israeli border, killing some 1200 people and taking around 250 hostages on October 7, 2023.
According to Gaza’s health authorities, the conflict has so far killed over 34,000 Palestinians, displaced most of the enclave’s population of 2.3 million and left much of the housing and infrastructure in ruins.
El Hall, who is involved in the Students for Palestine group, said that the camp would be set up in solidarity with Palestinians and student protestors in the United States.
The group said it did not know how many people would take part in the Adelaide protest but it would stay as long as needed.
The group said it did not know how many people would take part in the Adelaide protest but it would stay as long as needed.
Students for Palestine also held a pro-Palestine protest in Rundle Mall. Photo: supplied by EPA/John G. Mabanglo
The protests in the US have led to a swift crackdown by university administrators and local authorities, as well as pro-Israel counter-protests.
The University of Adelaide said that it supported lawful freedom of expression and peaceful protest. “Given our commitment to open dialogue, it is expected that the challenging issues facing the broader community may also emerge on our campuses,” a spokesperson said today.
The university would also uphold “the physical safety and amenity of our campuses for all students and staff”.
“The university takes the welfare and physical safety of our community very seriously and will not tolerate behaviour or conduct that is unlawful or affects the fulfilment of our duty to foster the wellbeing of staff and students,” the spokesperson said.
“Those who choose to express their views on campus through peaceful protest must also uphold the rights of our staff, students and visitors to a safe and respectful environment.”
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An intriguing read with a fresh perspective.