University of Melbourne received over 100 reports, 39 complaints following pro-Palestine protests

The University of Melbourne has revealed the number of reports and complaints it received following incidents of racism and pro-Palestine protests at its campuses last year.

The University of Melbourne received 39 complaints relating to issues arising from the Middle Eastern conflict last year.

More than 100 University of Melbourne students sought advice and support following pro-Palestine protests, while dozens of others made formal complaints about racism on campus, a new report has found.

The institution’s first Annual Report on Racism 2024 has revealed the toll months of protest activity relating to the Israel-Hamas war at the university’s Parkville campus had on student and staff wellbeing.

Pro-Palestine protesters occupied the university’s Arts West Building for 10 days in May last year, prompting the institution to close the learning space and deploy a large security presence.

Protesters also set up an encampment on the Parkville campus’ South Lawn in protest of the institution’s ties with Israel.

Pro-Palestine protesters took over the Arts West building at the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus last year.

The University of Melbourne received 39 complaints relating to issues arising from the Middle Eastern conflict on campus, with 12 people alleging they were the target of anti-Semitism.

Another two said they encountered Islamophobia.

Most complaints related to posters, slogans and stickers that were posted around campus during the occupation of the Arts West Building and pro-Palestine encampment, with other grievances including feelings of discomfort over student activism.

The Herald Sun reported at the time protesters were putting up posters with the slogans “Free Palestine”, “Student Strike for Palestine”, “Zionists” and “Genocide”.

In addition to the complaints, the university also received 112 reports from staff and students – who didn’t want to seek further action – about protest activity on campus, including three separate incidents of demonstrations in classrooms relating to the Israel-Hamas war.

Other incidents included reported classroom incursions and masked protesters occupying a professor’s office.

The university issued formal reprimands to 17 students after investigations confirmed their involvement in the Arts West Building occupation, while four staff members were subject to performance and misconduct actions

Seventeen students received formal reprimands for their involvement in the Arts West Building occupation.

Meanwhile, the report also detailed incidents of racism not relating to the Middle Eastern conflict, with the university’s Workplace Integrity team receiving 33 complaints alleging racism, discrimination, harassment or vilification by staff that breached their Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy.

Another nine complaints against students were also received, while 20 more were submitted in relation to issues including racism in teaching and learning, the university’s cultural responsiveness and general behaviour on campus.

University of Melbourne Provost Professor Nicola Phillips said the institution was determined to help students and staff feel they could report and speak up against racism.

“We take responsibility for building trust within our community that complaints and concerns will be heard and acted upon,” she said.

“We must improve knowledge and recognition of racist behaviours and their effects.

“We are proud to be a widely diverse community, and resolute in our support of students and staff of all backgrounds so that everyone is able to thrive at our University.”

The University of Melbourne said the annual report was an important first step in transparently documenting the institution’s priorities, progress and reported incidents of racism.