Given the extensive, emotionally charged media coverage of sit-in protests across university campuses globally, I felt compelled to view the phenomenon first-hand in Australia. The experience differed vastly from my expectations and, most shockingly, left me feeling positive about the future of Western civilisation.

As I entered the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus from the south, past the Clive Murray-White sculpture titled Holocaust and up the steps, the first and most visible sight was the mass of tents. My first impression was of the mess, a beautiful old university converted into a rubbish-strewn eyesore. Much of the old sandstone including the original cloisters was also chalked with pro-Gaza graffiti.