Sydney University investigates ‘genocide’ slide at O-week event

A student group at Sydney University’s Conservatorium of Music is being quizzed after using an Orientation week event to tout its stance on anti-Semitism.

A screen shot of the slide from a student group at Sydney University's Conservatorium of Music. Picture: Supplied.

A Sydney University student group has been questioned for using an Orientation week event on Monday to spruik its stance on the conflict in Gaza and the rise of anti-Semitism in Australia.

With classes set to return on Monday, February 24, the event was held for new and returning students of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music as part of the university’s “Welcome Program”.

A slide detailing the body’s stance on Palestine and Israel was shown to students attending the orientation event, run by the Sydney Conservatorium Student’s Association,

“Our stance is that Israel is committing a genocide against Palestine, attacks on citizens in Lebanon and is in blatant violation of international law,” the slide read.

It attributed the rise in anti-Semitism in Australia and around the world to “Israel’s conflation of Judaism with their actions in the Levant”.

The body also encouraged the students of the Conservatorium as “artists and storytellers” to “push for the recognition of humanity and to support those within our community”.

Sydney Conservatorium of Music dean, Professor Anna Reid, confirmed that the slides in question were shown by an independently-run student group and “does not reflect the University’s position”.

The student body previously expressed support on their social channels for MSO concert pianist Jayson Gillham, who was dropped by the Melbourne orchestra for abusing his position to air political opinions.

Sydney University told The Daily Telegraph that they “are aware of the reports and are looking into this matter as a priority”.

“We are deeply disappointed students have used an event to welcome new and returning students to campus to make these statements, knowing how upsetting they could be for some.”

Originally published as Sydney University investigates ‘genocide’ slide at O-week event