University of Sydney Apologizes to Student Over Suspension Threat

The University of Sydney has issued an apology to a transgender international student following a threat of suspension over alleged protest messages written on campus whiteboards. The student, a transgender individual seeking asylum in Australia, faced potential suspension after writing messages accusing the university of complicity in Gaza genocide.

The university clarified that the suspension threat, outlined in a misconduct notice, was a result of an “administrative error” and assured ongoing misconduct proceedings. The student, fearing deportation, refrained from revealing their identity due to concerns of reprimand.

The incident unfolded when the Office of the Academic Registrar accused the student of entering multiple tutorial rooms and inscribing protest messages with a green marker on whiteboards. The messages included statements advocating for a free Palestine, implicating the university in weapons manufacturing, and supporting genocide in Gaza, along with statistics on Gaza’s death toll.

The registrar cited breaches of university policies, including the student discipline rule, campus access policy requiring prior approval for protests, and the prohibition on graffiti or unauthorized posters. The student was given until mid-February to respond, facing potential exclusion or suspension from the university.

In her response, the student cited seeking asylum in Australia due to persecution in her home country, Malaysia. She emphasized the urgency of her situation, stressing the need for a fair assessment without the looming threat of deportation.

The university, acknowledging the error in the penalty information provided, promptly rectified the mistake and extended support to the student. An apology was issued directly to the student, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to community safety and well-being.

Wendy Thompson, a queer officer at the university’s Student Representative Council, condemned the punitive measures taken against the student, labeling the policies as discriminatory and silencing dissent. The incident coincides with the University of Melbourne’s ban on indoor protests following a pro-Palestine encampment.

The University of Sydney refrained from further comments on the matter. The episode underscores broader concerns within Australian universities regarding freedom of expression, student activism, and institutional responses to contentious issues. The university’s swift apology and corrective actions aim to address the distress caused by the incident and ensure a supportive environment for all students.