Protests at the University of Melbourne over the university’s ties to weapons manufacturers have escalated, with students occupying the Arts West building. The protesters are demanding that the university disclose and divest its connections to companies that supply weaponry to Israel. Tensions rose as protesters disrupted classes and university activities, leading to the cancellation of 150 classes and impacting the learning of approximately 6000 students. The university has taken measures to restrict access to the campus and is working with police to address the situation.
At other universities in Melbourne, similar protests have taken place, with students facing threats of suspension and expulsion for their involvement in the demonstrations. The protest movement, which includes calls for “intifada” and the chanting of pro-Palestine slogans, has sparked controversy and condemnation from some members of the community. The meaning of these slogans is contested, with Palestinian supporters viewing them as demands for the end of occupation while some Israelis see them as a call for their destruction. The Senate passed a motion condemning the use of the chant, highlighting the divisive nature of the protests.
The National Tertiary Education Union has expressed support for the protest movement at the University of Melbourne, calling for the protection of students and staff’s right to express their views without interference. University administrators have described the protest as disruptive and intimidating, leading to the closure of the Arts West building and the cancellation of classes. While the university upholds the principle of academic freedom, protesters are adamant in their demands for the university to sever ties with defence companies involved in the conflict in Gaza. The protesters have renamed the building Mahmoud Hall in honor of a Palestinian student killed in Gaza.
The university insists that its research agreements with defence companies, such as Lockheed Martin, BAE, and Boeing, do not involve the design or manufacture of weapons used in Gaza. Projects funded by these companies focus on areas like virus-resistant polymer development to prevent the transmission of diseases on airline tray tables. University officials emphasize the importance of academic freedom and research collaboration, highlighting the government’s recognition of defence as crucial to national interests. They argue that refusing to work with defence companies would be a disservice to Australia’s security and international stability.
As tensions continue to escalate, the university is working with police to address the situation and ensure the safety of students and staff. The protests have sparked debate and controversy within the university community, with differing opinions on the legitimacy and impact of the demonstrations. While some students support the protest movement, others feel irritated and disrupted by the disruptions to their studies and campus activities. It remains to be seen how the university and protesters will navigate the situation moving forward, as issues of academic freedom, activism, and security converge in the ongoing conflict over the university’s ties to weapons manufacturers.
