Melbourne University Issues Warning to Pro-Palestinian Student Encampment

In response, the protestors have issued a call for more people to join the rally.

TOPSHOT - Pro-Palestinian students hold a sit-in in Melbourne, Australia on May 15, 2024 at Melbourne University's Arts West building, which the students have temporarily renamed as "Mahmoud's Hall." Martin Keep/AFP via Getty Images

Free Palestine protesters have issued an urgent call for demonstrators to head to the University of Melbourne, in response to orders from the university to leave.

Activists have camped for days at the Arts West building on the Parkville campus, leading to the cancellation of classes in the university hall.

In an act of defiance, “University of Melbourne for Palestine” students called an “emergency rally” at what they now call “Mahmoud’s Hall.” The building was renamed by activists in memory of Mahmoud Al Haq, a student who died in Gaza ahead of planned studies at the university.

The move-on notice clearly states that camping is not allowed on university premises, and occupation of buildings is also not permitted.

Victorian Police told The Epoch Times their position has not changed and they continue to work with the university in response to ongoing protests.

“Police are constantly monitoring the activity and are well equipped to respond to any public order issues if required. At this stage, Victoria Police has not been requested to intervene or remove any protesters,” a spokesperson said on May 20.

“Police will continue to liaise with university security and patrol the area to provide reassurance to the broader community.”

What Did University Administrator’s Say?

A move on notice authorised by Vice Chancellor Duncan Maskell directed all persons in the Arts West building to remove property and leave the premises.

A copy of the notice states that any individual who contravenes the direction is deemed to be trespassing and may be referred to police.

The direction notes that the University of Melbourne is committed to being a place for free speech and the right to assembly.

“However, University grounds must not be used for protest that is not peaceful, for protest in a manner that jeopardises the safety and security of persons using University premises, or unreasonably interferes with core University activities.

“The university must act in the interests of all persons using its premises. In recent days, actions associated with protests at the university have become increasingly disruptive and unsafe. University property has been damaged and the Arts West building has been occupied.”

A safety inspection was carried out on May 17 finding multiple examples of damage, including to emergency exits, fire panel access, and fire-fighting equipment.

As a result, the building is now unfit for occupation and teaching, a situation described by the university as “significant disruption.”

The direction also warns that students who “fail to comply” with the direction could be excluded from enrolment or re-enrolment, and banned from classes

If a misconduct finding is made, students may need to pay for cost of repairs and damage, be suspended, or terminated.

Call for Support From Students

The group, Free Palestine Melbourne, placed on Facebook on May 20, a push for more students to “please head to Mahmoud’s Hall immediately if possible.

“Urgent call out to community. Melbourne University threatened Mahmoud’s Hall students over loud speakers to leave the building within a few minutes before they call the police on them,” the post stated.

Instagram group, University of Melbourne for Palestine, also posted an image in the Palestine flag colours calling for everyone to come as soon as possible to the hall.

“Disclose, divest. We will not stop, we will not rest,” the Instagram post said.

La Trobe and Deakin Universities in Victoria have also issued orders to student asking them to disband or dismantle their encampments. Similar orders have also been made interstate, including at the University of Queensland, and Australian National University.

Police Separate Pro-Palestinian and Israeli Rallygoers

Meanwhile, Victorian Police had a visible presence at two rallies in Melbourne’s Central Business District on May 19.

A pro-Israel, Never Again is Now, rally against anti-semitism was also held in front of Parliament House in Spring Street, Melbourne on May 20. A pro-Palestinian rally, supposed to be in another location, also ended up on Spring Street.

Victorian Police told The Epoch Times that law enforcement had formed lines between the two opposing groups.

“While the organisers had confirmed separate locations and routes for their events, protestors from one group moved to Spring Street, Melbourne East to counter protest,” Victorian Police said.

“The police response was largely successful in keeping these two opposing groups separate.”

Six people were arrested among the 7,000 people who attended the two rallies, according to police.

Victoria Police said they respect the right for people to protest lawfully, however, they asked that it be peaceful.