Uni students supporting Palestine continue their cause as new semester kicks off

Determined pro-Palestine activists are back at Melbourne universities, with police called to Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus this week after receiving reports of “inappropriate behaviour”.

Determined pro-Palestine protesters, including some of those who previously received warnings, have returned to Melbourne universities with police already called to one institution just weeks into the new semester.

Students supporting Palestine have come back from university holidays to continue spreading awareness about their cause, with some setting up information tables in campus elevators, hallways and even outside graduations.

But universities have made it clear while freedom of speech is welcome, any acts that disrupt the safety and security of others will not be tolerated.

This was the case at Swinburne University’s Hawthorn campus on Wednesday where police were called after the institution received a number of complaints regarding allegedly inappropriate behaviour from pro-Palestine supporters.

At Swinburne University, police were called after protesters disobeyed instructions by security. Picture: Instagram / Students for Palestine Swinburne

Multiple students and non-students were asked by Swinburne’s security team to cease activity which the Saturday Herald Sun understands was making other people feel uncomfortable.

When the students refused to comply and the behaviour continued, local police were called for support.

“Officers spoke to six people who told police they planned to leave the area about 2.30pm,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.

“Police advised campus security and no further action was required.”

But protesters claimed the move was a “serious crackdown on students’ rights on campus” and “a breach of the university’s own free speech codes”.

“Swinburne University has seriously escalated its restriction of free speech at Hawthorn campus,” Students for Palestine Swinburne said in a statement.

“As of Wednesday August 7, students have been banned by campus security from handing out leaflets, asking other students to sign a petition, or setting up a table on campus to talk to students about political issues.”

Meanwhile a Swinburne University spokeswoman said: “Swinburne is committed to working with student groups to ensure a peaceful and safe presence on campus”.

“We welcome debate and activity, provided it does not disrupt the safety and security of others.”

Pro-Palestine supporters held a vigil outside the University of Melbourne graduation on Friday. Picture: Instagram / UniMelb for Palestine

Meanwhile on Friday, UniMelb for Palestine activists set up a table outside the Royal Exhibition Building – where University of Melbourne graduations were taking place – to give out keffiyehs to students.

Some students then wore the keffiyehs over their graduation robes during the ceremony, despite university policy requiring them to wear personal clothing under their academic gowns.

During the graduation ceremony, pro-Palestine supporters – including UniMelb for Palestine organiser Dana Alshaer – either waved Palestinian flags, raised their fists or yelled “free Palestine” when they were called on stage.

But as a consequence of their actions, they missed the opportunity to have their official stage photo taken and were excluded from the official videography of the event.

“The University has terms and conditions for attendance at ceremonies which have been communicated to those attending,” a University of Melbourne spokesman said.

“These state that graduates who take prohibited items on stage will not have their official on stage photograph taken nor be part of the official videography of the event.

“If a graduate does not follow the protocols outlined in the terms and conditions while crossing the stage to receive their testamur, the videographer will pan away during any unscheduled activity to ensure minimal disruption of proceedings.”

Student pro-Palestine activist Dana Alshaer graduated from the University of Melbourne on Friday. Picture: Instagram / UniMelb for Palestine

UniMelb for Palestine was handing out keffiyehs outside the Royal Exhibition Building on Friday, where University of Melbourne graduations were being held. Picture: Instagram / UniMelb for Palestine

A vigil for students who died in Gaza as a result of the Israel-Hamas conflict was also set up outside the Exhibition Building on Friday.

Some pro-Palestine graduates laid the flowers they received as gifts to build a temporary memorial, alongside keffiyehs and fake graduation caps dotted in red paint appearing to resemble blood.

“Graduation ceremonies are a significant milestone that celebrate students’ academic achievements,” the University of Melbourne spokesman said.

“As at all of our events, the University of Melbourne prioritises a safe, secure and enjoyable environment that celebrates academic achievement.”

At other Melbourne universities pro-Palestine supporters are preparing to host mass meetings in the coming weeks to discuss how they’ll take their campaigns forward.

It comes after pro-Palestine encampments were set up at the University of Melbourne, Monash, La Trobe, RMIT and Deakin universities last semester as students rallied for tertiary institutions to “disclose and divest” their ties with weapon manufacturing companies.

A 10 day sit-in also occurred at the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus, where students occupied the Arts West Building.

A number of students across multiple universities received warnings after they were issued with misconduct notices for incidents stemming from protest activity on campus.

Students were forced to shut their encampments down after university leaders made multiple requests they pack up before the end of last semester.