Updates on protest at Deakin Burwood
Update Thursday 16 May @ 1.00pm, 2024
Dear Deakin students and staff,
I am writing to update you on Deakin’s response to the encampment at our Burwood Campus and the direction we’ve given the protestors to now dismantle and remove it.
I want again to be clear that the instruction is not to stop protesting but to remove the encampment. We are taking this action based on our unwavering commitment to the security and safety of everyone in the Deakin community and their right to unimpeded access to the Burwood Campus.
The University is committed to upholding our Code for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom. The ability to engage in protest, political discourse and debate on Deakin campuses is part of our role as a university. But there is no place at our university for the unacceptable language and behaviour that we have seen from the protestors, including those we believe are not Deakin students. This behaviour is in breach of Deakin’s code of conduct.
The continuing presence of the encampment at Burwood is increasingly compromising the right of those in our community to access and enjoy a typical learning and work environment free of impediment, intimidation, threat and harassment.
The closure of Morgan’s Walk, the main pedestrian thoroughfare at Burwood, was necessary because of the unacceptable behaviour of protestors on our campus. This closure continues to restrict access and use of our facilities and is impeding the usual function and activity of the Burwood Campus. The Deakin University community is more than 65,000 strong, and we will not allow the actions of a few to compromise the values, standing and operation of our university.
Australia is a vibrant, pluralistic democracy whose strengths are built upon the importance of debate, discourse and at times, protest. Universities are a key part of the social infrastructure that enables these strengths.
We cannot allow vitriol, personal attack, and intimidation to undermine our ability to engage in the considered debate, discussion, and deliberation that is required to meaningfully address complex and challenging issues. That is what true freedom of speech in our universities must be about.
For updates and more information regarding this matter, please continue to visit the DeakinLife website.
Sincerely,
Professor Iain Martin
Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University
Update Tuesday 14 May @ 12.30pm, 2024
Statement from Ms Kerrie Parker, Deakin’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University Services
Deakin is steadfast in its commitment to the safety and security of all in our community. This sits alongside our fundamental role in facilitating robust and respectful debate.
Deakin will not tolerate unacceptable language or behaviour that breaches our code of conduct, including messages that are threatening, racist, antisemitic or Islamophobic. We have a 24/7 security presence on campus to monitor protest activity and ensure safety and security.
The continuing presence of the encampment at our Burwood Campus is compromising the right of everyone in the Deakin community to access and enjoy a safe and secure learning and work environment free of impediment, intimidation, and harassment.
Yesterday, I wrote to the protest organiser to request the encampment at our Burwood Campus be dismantled and removed. I am aware that my correspondence is being shared on social media, so in the interests of openness and transparency, I have included a copy below.
—
Request to dismantle the encampment at Deakin University, Burwood Campus
As the organiser of the current protest action being undertaken at the Burwood Campus, you are asked to please attend to the immediate dismantling and removal of the current encampment at Morgans Walk.
This request is being made to ensure the safety, security and amenity of all campus users.
I note that at outset of the protest, you advised the University that the encampment would run from Tuesday 7 May to Friday 10 May 2024.
The University’s expectation was that the encampment would conclude and be dismantled at the end of the day last Friday, relieving the University of the obligation to ensure the safety of the protesters and other campus users over the weekend and the coming week. However, a small group have remained in continuous occupation at the Morgan’s Walk site at the Burwood campus over the weekend.
The University takes its obligations in relation to ensuring the health, safety and well-being of staff, students and visitors to the campus very seriously. Our Deakin community and the individuals it comprises each have the right to access and enjoy a safe and secure learning and working environment free of impediment, intimidation and harassment. This is compromised by the continued presence of the encampment. The closure of Morgan’s Walk, a restriction brought about by the unacceptable behaviour of protesters, is creating an impediment to the normal use and function of the campus.
The ability of the Deakin community to access and use Deakin campuses safely and without threat or impediment remains the University’s priority. It is intended that normal operations resume and we ask that you confirm your intention to dismantle the encampment.
The University remains committed to upholding the Code for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom. Your ability to undertake protest, political discourse and debate on Deakin campuses is not being infringed or curtailed.
However, the right to freedom of speech does not extend to the establishment of unauthorised camps which pose hygiene and safety risks and restrict the access, availability and use of Deakin premises and facilities for the benefit of the Deakin community of users.
Yours sincerely,
Kerrie Parker
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University Services
**Update Wednesday 8 May @ 5pm, 2024**
Deakin is aware that some protestors behaved in an utterly unacceptable way on Tuesday afternoon at our Burwood Campus.
Threatening behaviour and hate speech was observed and recorded being used by protestors towards other members of the University community.
The University is investigating these incidents and will take all available action.
Deakin will not tolerate unacceptable language or behaviour that breaches our code of conduct, including messages that are threatening, racist, antisemitic or Islamophobic.
We have a 24/7 security presence on campus to monitor protest activity and ensure the safety and security of all in our community. The ability to use our campuses without threat or impediment remains our first priority and we will not allow the actions of a few to compromise the values and standing of our university.
Our security staff are ready to intervene immediately if there is a risk to personal safety, or if any behaviour constitutes a criminal offence.
**Monday 6 May, 2024**
As you may know, a group of students are planning to exercise their right to peaceful protest tomorrow (Tuesday, 7 May) at our Burwood Campus.
Deakin’s priority is to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff. This sits alongside our fundamental role in facilitating robust and respectful debate.
Freedom of speech and academic freedom are pivotal in defining our purpose as a university. Deakin, now almost 50 years old, has a long and proud history as a diverse, multicultural and multi-faith community where many views exist and are often expressed through planned activities, including peaceful protest.
All perspectives are welcome, but these must be respectfully expressed. Everyone at Deakin has the right to a learning and work environment free from discrimination, harassment, victimisation and vilification.
Deakin does not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with University policies or procedures or unacceptable conduct. This includes:
- Disruption of University activity, including lectures, classes, research activity, and events;
- Occupation of a building;
- Behaviour or messages that are racist, including antisemitic or Islamophobic, discriminatory, harassing, vilifying or victimising – as outlined in our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy;
- Unlawful behaviour or messages, including those which are threatening or abusive;
- Damage to property;
- Physical violence; and
- Unsafe behaviour or activities.
Wellbeing, support and safety
Across Deakin, we are working to ensure the wellbeing and safety of everyone in our community. We are in close contact with the relevant student groups, community leaders, and staff to ensure safety and security on campus and to implement the appropriate support.
- If you need help on campus at any time, please install and use our 24/7 SafeZone app or contact our Campus Support Officers directly on 1800 062 579.
- Deakin students requiring support are encouraged to book an appointment online by visiting Health and Wellbeing. For more immediate support, students can call the Health and Wellbeing Centre on 9244 5577 or contact Deakin’s after-hours mental health support.
- You can contact Safer Community if you experience threatening behaviour or feel unsafe. You can report suspected breaches of our Student Code of Conduct, or lodge a student complaint, via this online form.
We appreciate your understanding during this time.
Professor Iain Martin
Vice-Chancellor