‘Zero faith’ in University of Sydney’s external ‘processes and policies’ review

The University of Sydney has announced an external review of its campus policies and “intends to co-operate” with a Senate inquiry on anti-Semitism in Australian universities.

As of May 16, protests in support of Gaza had spread to about 50 US universities and four Australian universities, with students committed to permanently occupying university land until their demands for divestment are met. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

The University of Sydney has announced an external review of its campus policies and says it “intends to co-operate” with a Senate inquiry on anti-Semitism in Australian universities, in a move that has Jewish leaders divided.

Outgoing Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson and incoming Chancellor David Thodey wrote to staff on Thursday to inform them the university is “in the process of commissioning an external review”, to be conducted by health and safety-specialist silk Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC.

The review, designed to ensure that USYD’s “processes and policies are appropriate and accord with applicable standards”, is due to report back sometime after the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation committee hands down its own.

The Coalition’s bid to establish a commission of inquiry into anti-Semitism at Australian universities will sit with the Senate committee until at least October 4, while the Race Discrimination Commissioner conducts a separate study commissioned by the Albanese government.

Former Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) president Jillian Segal was appointed as Australia’s first ever special envoy to combat anti-Semitism earlier this month.

University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Scott, outgoing Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson, and incoming Chancellor David Thodey. Picture: Supplied/Michael Amendolia

“The University intends to co-operate with the Senate Committee’s process and with the special envoy,” the Chancellors wrote.

“Our large and vibrant university is, in many ways, a microcosm of the broader society and community, where there are unacceptable increased levels of racism and intolerance.

May 3: A pro-Israel protest at the University of Sydney rallied against the establishment of a pro-Palestine encampment on campus grounds. Security staff kept the two groups separated. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

“In providing a safe and welcoming environment for all our in our community, we also must be in a position to ensure our unwavering commitment to free speech and academic freedom as core principles of the University.”

The announcement comes one month after a deal between the university and pro-Palestine activists brought weeks of rolling protests – including an ‘occupation’ of the Camperdown campus’ iconic lawns – to an end.

Student protesters have since taken to opposing the university’s new campus access policy, which introduces new restrictions on putting up banners, using megaphones and “erecting structures” without permission from the administration.

The ECAJ will be encouraging Jewish members of the university community to come forward to share their experiences with the external review, co-chief executive Peter Wertheim said.

“Jewish students and academic and other staff at the University have been through a harrowing ordeal these last few months,” he said.

“They will no doubt have much to say to the review about their experiences and what is widely perceived to be a mishandling of the recent protests by the University administration.

The protest camp on the university’s Quad Lawns survived nearly two months before being dismantled. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

“We will also monitor the progress of the review closely and will not hesitate to expose and call out any threats of retribution against potential witnesses that may be made from any quarter.”

Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory, however, accused the University of Sydney of being disingenuous and said the Jewish community has “zero faith” in the institution or its leaders to “do the right thing”.

“The disgraceful actions of the University of Sydney will feature prominently in the AJA submission as well as many other submissions to the Inquiry,” Mr Gregory said.

“The University of Sydney did not engage honestly with the Jewish community and we have no reason to believe the University is being genuine now.”