Right: Gaza in ruins. Food and other aid is slow to arrive as NGOs call for land and sea borders to open up to prevent actual starvation.
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Arguments in favour of Australian universities banning pro-Palestinian protests
1. These protests can escalate and cause violence and physical injury
Opponents of students staging pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses claim that these demonstrations have a high potential to become disruptive and violent. The strength of the differing opinions on the Israel-Hamas war has provoked violence in other jurisdictions and has prompted fears that there could be similar outbreaks at Australian universities.
Critics of the protests have noted that these demonstrations have become violent and resulted in police action at various universities around the world, particularly within the United States. On the night of April 30, 2024, there were violent clashes on the campus of the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) between pro-Palestinian protesters and a group of counterdemonstrators. A pro-Palestinian protester claimed counter-protesters sprayed aerosol irritants, launched fireworks, tore down barricades and hit those inside with metal poles and wooden planks.
The UCLA's administration summoned the police, the fire department, and medical personnel. Mary Osako, vice chancellor for UCLA Strategic Communications, issued a statement which stated, 'We are sickened by this senseless violence, and it must end.' On May 1, 2024, it was reported that a Palestinian solidarity encampment at the University of California campus in Los Angeles had also been attacked by pro-Israel counter protesters, and classes had been cancelled. University of South Florida police stated that ten people had been taken into custody after protests on campus. Tulane University Police Department in New Orleans, Louisiana, stated that at least 14 protesters, including two Tulane students, had been arrested in connection with protests. On April 30, the president of Columbia University summoned police to remove students who were claimed to have become destructive after occupying Hamilton Hall. There has also been some disruption at universities outside the United States. On May 15, 2023, it was reported that the University of Amsterdam was cancelling classes and shutting buildings for two days after demonstrations over the war in Gaza became violent. According to the University of Amsterdam, peaceful protest was 'hijacked by violent elements' who left behind 'wanton destruction.'
Similar protests have also taken place at Dutch universities in Groningen, Nijmegen, Utrecht, Wageningen and Leiden. Police have warned that violence may occur on Australian campuses if universities allow pro-Palestinian protests to continue. On May 9, 2024, it was reported Victoria Police were raising concerns with universities daily about ongoing pro-Palestine student encampments on campus. Victorian Chief Commissioner, Shane Patton, said police were meeting with university security staff to outline their fears that simmering tensions could boil over and become violent. Paton stated, 'The longer these encampments go on, the more people get there.' Of particular concern to the Commissioner was that the protests were being infiltrated by radical groups from outside the universities. Paton warned that if local protests escalated in the same way they have in the United States, the job for police would become increasingly difficult.
The potential for conflict was shown at Melbourne University on May 2, 2024, when pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian protesters confronted each other across a long ornamental pond on the university's south lawn. On May 14, one Australian university, Deakin, ordered pro-Palestinian protesters to dismantle the camp they had set up a week before. The university's administration believes the encampment and the demonstration are a threat to the safety of the overall student body. Deakin's Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Liz Johnson, sent an email to the pro-Palestinian protest group stating, 'The continuing presence of the encampment at our Burwood Campus is compromising the right of everyone in the Deakin community to access and enjoy a safe and secure learning and work environment...'
2. Allowing pro-Palestinian protest on-campus appears an endorsement of terrorism
Many of those who want pro-Palestinian protests banned from Australian university campuses argue that the extreme views of some protesters support and promote terrorism. They claim that universities, in allowing these protests to continue, appear to be endorsing terrorism.
In Australia, terrorism is defined as any act which 'causes serious physical harm to a person or serious damage to property; causes death or endangers a person's life; creates a serious risk to the health and safety of the public... or seriously interferes, disrupts or destroys an electronic information, telecommunications or financial system.' To be classed as terrorism these acts need to have a political motivation. Australian anti-terrorism law states that terrorist acts are intended to 'advance a political, ideological, or religious cause; and
coerce or intimidate an Australian or foreign government or the public'.
Claims that pro-Palestinian protesters support terrorism come from the association of Hamas with calls for Palestinian independence. Hamas (an acronym from Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya or 'Islamic Resistance Movement') is a Palestinian Sunni Islamist political and military movement which has governed the Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip since 2007.
Hamas has performed many acts generally regarded as terrorism. The most recent of these, and the immediate trigger for the current Israeli-Hamas War, was a raid which occurred on the morning of October 7, 2023. Hamas gunmen crossed Gaza's border into Israel, killing about 1,200 people. Among those killed were children and the elderly. Thousands of rockets were fired. Hamas also took more than 250 Israel hostages back to Gaza. Many countries, including Australia, has classified Hamas as a terrorist group. The United States designated Hamas as a terrorist organisation in 1995, as did Canada in November 2002, and the United Kingdom in November 2021. The European Union listed Hamas's military wing as terrorists in 2001 and, gave Hamas as a whole this designation in 2003. Hamas challenged this decision, which was upheld by the European Court of Justice in July 2017. Japan, Australia, and New Zealand have designated the military wing of Hamas as a terrorist organization. In 2022, Australia listed both the political and military wings of Hamas as terrorists and in late February 2024, New Zealand re-designated the entire Hamas organization as a terror entity. The organization is banned in Jordan.
Several on-campus pro-Palestinian protesters have publicly proclaimed their support for Hamas. On April 30, 2024, Australian National University student Beatrice Tucker stated, 'I actually say that Hamas deserves our unconditional support'.
On May 1, 2024, The Australian reported that pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Queensland's encampment had flown the flag of an internationally recognised terrorist organisation. The report stated, 'The flag of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) was seen flying amid the placards and banners on the third day of the university's "Gaza solidarity" encampment at the St Lucia campus in Brisbane. The PFLP is a designated terrorist organisation in the United States, the European Union and Canada...' Other publications have raised similar concerns about university students appearing to support terrorist actions. On May 9, 2024, David Crowe, chief political correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald noted, 'The protest slogans have clearly gone beyond polite debates about free speech. Some of them call for violence. The chant for an "intifada" uses the key term for the waves of suicide bombings and other attacks against Israelis in recent decades.' Critics claim that in allowing such student protests to continue, university authorities are effectively encouraging support for terrorism. In an opinion piece published on May 5, 2024, Herald Sun commentator, Andrew Bolt, stated, 'The trend is frighteningly clear. Universities are allowing radical staff, students and campus invaders to endorse mass murder and rape, or chant genocidal war cries...'
On May 15, 2024, a commentator for The Australian, Janet Albrechtsen, similarly stated, 'University leaders [need] to use the power and force of moral condemnation to stop hate speech...on their campuses.' 3. Allowing pro-Palestinian protest may promote antisemitism
Opponents of the pro-Palestinian university protests being conducted in Australia believe that many of those taking part are antisemites and are promoting antisemitism.
Antisemitism is a form of religious and racial prejudice. As defined by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 'Antisemitism means prejudice against or hatred of Jews...Hatred of Jews can take many forms, including violent attacks. It also appears in daily life.' The Holocaust Museum further explains, 'Hatred of Jews has existed for thousands of years. The Holocaust, in which the Nazis and their collaborators murdered six million Jews in Europe, was one of the worst examples. But antisemitism didn't start or end with the Holocaust.'
Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas War, antisemitic incidents have increased in Australia. On November 14, 2023, The Conversation published a comment by Suzanne Rutland, Professor of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies at the University of Sydney. Professor Rutland states, 'According to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, there were 368 anti-Jewish incidents reported in Australia between October 8 and November 19. This compares to a total of 478 antisemitic incidents for the entire year from October 2021-22.' Professor Rutland warns that opposition to the Israelis' actions in Gaza can turn from being political or humanitarian opposition and become an expression of antisemitism motivated by hatred of Jews. Professor Rutland states, 'Research into current antisemitism has demonstrated it takes three principal forms. It begins with religious anti-Judaism, then mutates into racial antisemitism, and, most recently, political antisemitism associated with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in which ostensible criticisms of Israel can morph into an irrational hatred of Jews.'
Opponents of pro-Palestinian protests on Australian university campuses claim that many of those taking part are expressing antisemitic views, rather than simply promoting Palestinian independence, or protesting alleged human rights violations in the Israelis' conduct of the Israel-Hamas war. Several allegations have been made of antisemitic behaviour among protesters. On May 10, 2024, The Guardian Australia reported that Nazi salutes were purportedly performed during an Australian National University student association. The Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) claims the gestures occurred at the ANU Students' Association's (ANUSA) annual general meeting when a motion was raised by Jewish students to address antisemitism.
Similar claims of antisemitism among the university protesters have been made in the United States. Several antisemitic incidents in or near protests have trended online - including a photo that appears to show an individual holding up a sign that states 'Al-Qassam's Next Target,' referring to a military wing of Hamas, pointing toward people holding Israeli flags on Columbia University's campus on April 20. United States President Joe Biden, House Speaker Mike Johnson and others have denounced alleged instances of hate amid ongoing debate around the Israel-Hamas war. In an official statement, President Biden has warned, 'Even in recent days, we've seen harassment and calls for violence against Jews. This blatant antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous - and it has absolutely no place on college campuses, or anywhere in our country.'
Jewish university students in Australia have claimed that their experience of university life is being damaged by the bigotry they are encountering. They claim they are suffering direct abuse from protesters and because of the antisemitic atmosphere created by the on campus pro-Palestinian demonstrations. In a letter published in The Australian on May 15, 2024, and addressed to the university chancellors of Australia, a Jewish mother explained the bigotry her daughter was experiencing. The mother, Moran Dvir, wrote, 'Your acquiescence to the growing unruly mobs that have gathered on campuses around Australia has given way to the ugliest behaviour this country has ever seen. You have stood idly by in the name of free speech while Jewish university students have been verbally and physically vilified in the name of a conflict on the other side of the world.' She described an experience of abuse she had suffered with her daughter, stating, 'We stood quietly to the side with other Jewish staff and students, as protesters and rally organisers chanted at us, "F..k off, Zionist scum", "bye bye, Zionists" and "shame, Zionists, shame".'
In an article published in The Guardian Australia on May 7, 2024, the vice-president of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS), Zac Morris, explained the negative experiences being faced by Jewish university students. He stated, 'Students are afraid to go to class, they're missing lectures and tutorials. They're being filmed, followed, intimidated.'
4. Protesters right to freedom of speech should not override the right of other students to learn
Opponents of the pro-Palestinian protests occurring on university campuses argue they are disrupting the learning opportunities of other students. There is concern that universities have not been able to support protesters right to free speech while also protecting the right of other students to pursue their education.
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Several university chancellors have highlighted that the behaviour of some pro-Palestinian protesters could undermine the creation of a safe learning environment. On May 1, 2024, the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sydney, Professor Mark Scott, issued a statement regarding the protests. He declared the following behaviours unacceptable as they would disrupt the learning environment of the university: 'disruption of lectures and classes, preventing other students from learning; harassing or intimidating staff and students who may hold a different view or simply do not wish to engage in protest or debate; preventing free movement around campus; and damage to property.' Vice Chancellor, Professor Scott, then explained that some of the University's expectations had not been met by the protesters, including: 'Protesters entering buildings and harassing staff; and protesters blocking City Road and endangering the health and wellbeing of students and staff...'
Columbia University president Minouche Shafik has also stated that some of the protesters' behaviour has violated the university's expectations. Shafik explained, 'I...want to be clear that we will not tolerate intimidating, harassing, or discriminatory behaviour. The right to protest is essential and protected at Columbia, but harassment and discrimination is antithetical to our values and an affront to our commitment to be a community of mutual respect and kindness.' Ultimately, Shafik concluded, 'The encampment raises serious safety concerns, disrupts campus life, and has created a tense and at times hostile environment for many members of our community. It is essential that we move forward with a plan to dismantle it.'
Fayetteville State University has also highlighted the values the educational institution seeks to promote and the potential conflict that the protesters create. The university has stated, 'Our mission promises respect for diversity and a commitment to life-long learning, and professional development for faculty, staff, and students. Our First Amendment obligation not to restrict offensive and hateful speech does not mean such speech is worthy or welcome. FSU reserves its right to publicly condemn words or acts of intolerance and commits to protecting the speech of members of our community who choose to do the same.' The university further stated, 'Supreme Court law holds that public institutions like Fayetteville State University have discretion in regulating the "time, place, and manner" of speech on campus. The right to speak on campus is not a right to speak any time, at any place, and in any manner. In the interest of sustaining its mission and functions, as well as protecting public safety, the university can regulate the "where, when, and how" of speech activity on campus.'
5. Universities should promote dialogue rather than confrontation as a means of resolving issues
Opponents of pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses claim that these sites of learning should be promoting dialogue and discussion, not hosting demonstrations which spark hostility and conflict.
Critics have expressed concern that protests promote polarisation of views rather than the compromise and collaboration needed to achieve peaceful resolutions. In an article published in The Conversation on May 10, 2024, Kawser Ahmed, Adjunct Professor at the Political Science Department, University of Winnipeg, pointed to historical instances of on-campus peace movements increasing support for war among opposing groups. Professor Ahmed writes, 'In the 1960s, anti-war protests...triggered a boost in enrolment in pro-war groups like the Young Americans for Freedom and the founding of right-wing student newspapers like the Badger Herald.' Professor Ahmed also argued against using police to prevent the outbreak of violent counter protests. He states, 'Such police involvement might lead to a rise in extremism since it could fuel resistance, or result in confrontations...'
Other strategies have been suggested as more effective than protest in promoting peaceful discussion and the ultimate resolution of an issue. Professor Ahmed has suggested that university presidents should 'initiate a "community dialogue initiative" by convening pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups, along with influential community members, to serve as mediators for mutual expression of grievances'. The Professor has also suggested that 'Engaging a professional mediator may prove beneficial... [while] University leadership should preside over these discussions, stressing the significance of peaceful protest and ensuring campus safety'. Ahmed has proposed that both sides of the issue should be ensured a safe hearing, stating, 'Addressing pro-Palestinian grievances should be done judiciously, while balancing pro-Israeli sentiments by emphasizing a shared journey towards hope and co-existence.'
It has been claimed that students want an opportunity for dialogue, not confrontational protest. In an opinion piece published in The Hill on May 16, 2024, Jessica Carpenter stated, 'We're seeing a vocal minority on campus take control of the conversation - or lack thereof - around Israel and Palestine. These voices are being aided by "outside agitators" taking advantage of student anger. While universities grapple with how to navigate these protests, they're missing the fact that students want spaces to talk and be heard.' Carpenter has referred to her own experience of students wanting an opportunity to discuss the Palestinian-Israeli conflict rather than be intimidated by aggressive protests. She writes, 'My organization, BridgeUSA, held a listening session with student leaders at the University of Southern California (USC), Columbia University, New York University, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley). Their takeaways from campus were that most students are refraining from conversation due tension on campus and fear of having their voices drowned out by those dominating media coverage. Not only that, but they also said students are looking for spaces on campus for constructive discussion, and that the universities can be valuable partners in creating these.'
Critics argue that rather than places of protests, universities should be places of civil dialogue where differing views can be heard not shouted down. Jessica Carpenter concluded, 'The problem is not that students don't want to talk - the problem is that the majority of students don't feel there is the right space and structure to have a productive conversation. It's that we're focusing on the vocal minority when we should be elevating the majority of students who are seeking spaces for conversation.'