‘Outraged, not surprised’: Pro-Palestine student protesters face expulsion and suspension

If the recommendations are upheld, the students will become the first pro-Palestine activists to be expelled over their protest actions in Australia.

The University of Melbourne has formally notified four student activists that they are being recommended for expulsion and suspension, Unimelb for Palestine student group revealed on Monday.

If the recommendations are upheld, the students will become the first pro-Palestine activists to be expelled over their protest actions in Australia.

Two student organisers have been notified they “are getting expelled, and another two have been suspended,” a statement from Unimelb for Palestine said.

Two students “are getting expelled” and another two “have been suspended” over pro-Palestinian protest participation, Unimelb for Palestine said. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling

“If these decisions are upheld, Unimelb will become the first University in so-called Australia to expel students for protesting the genocide in Gaza.” the statement continued.

“The University of Melbourne has taken the extreme step of issuing expulsions and suspensions to students who participated in a peaceful protest.

“We were outraged, but not surprised.”

The final decision now rests on the universities new Vice Chancellor Emma Johnston, who has been in her position for less than a year.

In a statement to the Herald Sun, she said the University respects the rights of individuals to protest, which has not changed.

“Universities are places where free and open debate must take place, but the safety of our students and staff must also be protected as this is integral to enabling free and open debate.

“It’s our responsibility to respond to any actions that may intimidate or threaten the safety of students and staff on our campuses. These matters are taken seriously and addressed under the appropriate policy which may include disciplinary procedures.”

The disciplinary action comes after a period of heightened protests last year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Blair Jackson

The students participated in a sit in at Jewish academic Steven Prawer’s office, which ended only after police were called to disband protesters.

Mr Prawer was specifically targeted as students campaigned for their university to cut ties with Israeli institutions, and Mr Prawer is affiliated with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The sit in was during height of a period of protests, where students hitched tents over campus in a peaceful protest.

The students conducted a sit in at a Jewish Professors office. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

The universities major Arts West building was also occupied in May 2024, disrupting more than 16,800 students as classes and exams were all impacted.

“The University respects the rights of individuals to protest – this has not changed,” Ms Johnston said.

“Universities are places where free and open debate must take place, but the safety of our students and staff must also be protected as this is integral to enabling free and open debate. “It’s our responsibility to respond to any actions that may intimidate or threaten the safety of students and staff on our campuses.

Four students are facing serious disciplinary action over pro-Palestine protests. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling

“These matters are taken seriously and addressed under the appropriate policy which may include disciplinary procedures.”

If Ms Johnston signs of on the expulsions and suspensions, the students will have 30 days to appeal.

Unimelb for Palestine are now campaigning to pressure Ms Johnston, who led her university’s student union in the 1990s, to refrain from accepting the “pathetic and desperate move from University executives”.

This comes after the Australian National University’s expulsion Beatrice Tucker over her support for Hamas on ABC radio was overturned on appeal.

Originally published as ‘Outraged, not surprised’: Pro-Palestine student protesters face expulsion and suspension