Suspended student Drew Pavlou takes case to Human Rights Commission
An embattled student activist who claims he was suspended over his political beliefs, has taken his fight against the University of Queensland to the Queensland Human Rights Commission, claiming his rights have been violated.
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EMBATTLED student activist Drew Pavlou has taken his fight against the University of Queensland to the Queensland Human Rights Commission, claiming his rights have been violated.
The 21-year-old suspended student has submitted a complaint claiming his rights have been breached by the university.
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He was suspended for Semester 2 by The University of Queensland in July over serious misconduct, after the Senate Discipline Appeals Committee upheld two out of 11 misconduct allegations.
The University of Queensland has strongly rejected claims that the student disciplinary process was a free-speech issue and refuted “unsubstantiated accusations about any political motivations”.
“By targeting me and unjustly penalising me for my political beliefs, UQ has violated my right to freedom of expression and association as well as my right to a fair hearing and right to education under the Queensland Human Rights Act,” Mr Pavlou said.
“I fully expect the Queensland Human Rights Commission to find in my favour against UQ and by so doing restore my status as a student and a rightfully elected member of the UQ Senate.
“Justice will be done, as the Australian public demands.”
In a previous statement on July 13, UQ Chancellor Peter Varghese said neither of the two findings of serious misconduct against Mr Pavlou concerned his personal or political views about China or Hong Kong.
“This should finally put to rest the false allegations that this process has been an attack on freedom of expression.”
The Queensland Human Rights Commission said it could not comment on any complaints made as they are confidential.
According to the Queensland Human Rights Commission it is an impartial body, and after assessing complaints may aim to assist all parties to resolve the issue, usually through a conciliation conference, but is unable to make rulings.
A University of Queensland spokeswoman said if they receive a formal notice of complaint they would respond through appropriate channels.
“The University does not consider that a student’s suspension for serious misconduct could amount to discrimination,” she said.
“The University has consistently said that students are not penalised for the lawful expression of personal views.”
Originally published as Suspended student Drew Pavlou takes case to Human Rights Commission