University of Sydney appoints external reviewer after fallout from pro-Palestine protest handling

It follows months of turmoil with allegations of anti-Semitism on campus amid extended pro-Palestine encampment protests.

Tents on the lawns at the University of Sydney in June. The pro-Palestine protest remained pitched on campus for almost two months. Picture: Richard Dobson

The University of Sydney will commission an external review following months of turmoil amid extended pro-Palestine encampment protests.

In an email to staff and students, new chancellor David Thodey and outgoing chancellor Belinda Hutchinson said the university was “in the process of commissioning an external review to ensure that its processes and policies are appropriate and accord with applicable standards”. “This review will be conducted by Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC, a pre-eminent senior counsel in NSW with relevant ­expertise, including in health and safety,” they said.

They also said they would co-operate with a Senate committee examining a bill to establish a ­judicial inquiry into anti-Semitism on Australian university campuses.

“Many in our community have been deeply distressed by the events of 7 October 2023, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the reverberations that are being felt around the world,” the email read. “We are committed to ensuring that the university: has a campus that is safe and welcoming for all students and staff; has appropriate processes and policies in place targeted at preventing discrimination and harassment; has effective protocols and practices to deal with allegations and acts of ­racism, threats to safety, hate speech, intimidation, threatening speech, bullying or unlawful harassment; has processes and policies that reflect best practice and are fit for purpose and the times.

“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 University of Sydney drew the ire of Jewish groups when it made an agreement with the Muslim Students Association – the last of the encampments after the university ordered protesters off after almost two months – that invited the organisation onto a working group that would review the university’s defence and security ­related investments.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Peter Wertheim cautiously welcomed the ­external ­review.

“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.

“We will be encouraging them to come forward and co-operate with the review. 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.”

Opposition education spokeswoman Sarah Henderson said she welcomed “any initiative which improves the safety and wellbeing of students and staff”.