The University has cancelled in-person lectures for the rest of the semester due to ongoing protests demanding the disclosure and termination of ties with weapons manufacturers and Israeli universities in response to the conflict in Gaza. The National Tertiary Education Union supported a boycott of Israel in alignment with student demands. Despite promises to meet with protesters, an agreement has not been reached.
Protesters have vowed to continue until their demands are met, while the University of Melbourne ended its encampment after agreeing to provide more transparency around research partnerships. The suspensions of classes were seen as a welcome but insufficient response to the disruption caused by the demonstrations. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry expressed concerns over the disruption of classes and fear created among students and staff by the ongoing protests.
The University has faced criticism for not using its powers to control the situation and order external demonstrators off its grounds. Some buildings went into lockdown due to the protests, and the ongoing disruptions have caused anxiety among students and faculty. A number of non-students have been camping out on campus, prompting the University to cancel some ID cards shared with them to access facilities.
Despite the ongoing protests and disruptions, Vice Chancellor Mark Scott has expressed a willingness to engage with protesters. The encampment has continued as students and external protesters demand accountability from the University. Efforts to address the concerns raised by protesters have yet to result in a resolution, leaving the situation unresolved and tensions high on campus. The impact of the protests on the University’s operations and community continues to be a significant issue.
