University of Queensland, James Cook back new free speech probe
Two Queensland universities have backed a new investigation into whether unis are doing their bit to uphold a code on free speech on campus.
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Two Queensland universities involved in free speech and academic freedom controversies have backed the new investigation into whether universities are upholding the free speech code.
The University of Queensland and James Cook University have both welcomed the Morrison Government’s announcement of an independent review, led by lawyer and former Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sally Walker, to investigate the progress universities have made in implementing the French Model Code on free speech on campuses.
Former High Court Chief Justice Robert French AC developed the Model Code, a framework for universities to protect freedom of speech and academic freedom, after conducting an independent review in 2018.
The University of Queensland has been embroiled in controversy after it suspended student activist Drew Pavlou, who had strongly criticised the institution’s business ties with the Chinese government.
The 21-year-old student has been suspended for semester two after the University’s Senate Disciplinary Appeals Committee upheld two allegations of serious misconduct, for online misconduct and a stunt where he wore a Hazmat suit and posted a note on the vice-chancellor’s office doors reading “COVID-19 biohazard condemned”.
UQ Chancellor Peter Varghese has previously said that neither of the two misconduct findings relate to the student expressing his personal or political views about China or Hong Kong.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the university supported the review, and that academic freedom and freedom of speech go to the absolute core of what defines Australian universities.
“We acknowledge recent commentary may have caused some to question UQ’s commitment to freedom of speech and we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate otherwise,” she said.
“It would be remiss of the University not to use this opportunity to validate that we are doing everything we should to demonstrate and encourage academic freedom and freedom of speech.”
A James Cook University spokesman said the institution complied with the intent and eight principles of the Model Code, and welcomed the review.
James Cook University made headlines for its sacking of academic Professor Peter Ridd in 2018, who had criticised the institution’s Great Barrier Reef research.
In a unanimous decision the Federal Circuit Court in July overturned a previous decision, and found James Cook University had lawfully terminated Dr Ridd for serious misconduct.
“JCU strongly supports academic freedom. As per the University’s Codes of Conduct, JCU values academic freedom, and encourages staff, students and affiliates to enquire, examine, criticise and challenge in the collegial and academic spirit of the search for knowledge, understanding and truth.
“The University rejects repeated statements that are being made that Dr Ridd was sacked because of his scientific views.”
“The Full Federal Court found that the University did not contravene the Fair Work Act nor the enterprise agreement for terminating Dr Ridd’s employment for repeated breaches by him of the Code of Conduct.”