Concerns over campus safety have led to the Australian National University (ANU) issuing an official order for students to dismantle an on-campus pro-Palestine encampment. This news breaks as the encampment’s location within a primary emergency evacuation zone has become a significant risk, with the alternative evacuation point identified by ANU failing during a recent fire alarm.
The encampment was initially set up in May as a show of support for the people of Gaza amid ongoing conflict with Israel. The students involved demanded the university divest from weapon companies associated with the Israeli military, and disclose any connections with such firms.
Jeremy Matthew, ANU Director of Facilities & Services Division, outlined the risk posed by the encampment in a notice to vacate, stating, ‘The encampment’s continued presence in this critical area poses an unacceptable risk to the safety and security of our staff and students.’ The order to vacate, which can be read here, was issued following increasing concerns regarding the encampment’s conduct.
On May 10, Genevieve Bell, ANU Vice-Chancellor, released a statement detailing multiple conduct violations on part of the encampment’s participants. This included probable breaches of the student code of conduct prompting disciplinary actions.
If the order is not complied with, students could face disciplinary measures and potential intervention from the Australian Federal Police, with specific instructions to immediately pack up and remove all encampment materials.
ANU, in a statement, specified that it was not prohibiting student protests as long as they were respectful, peaceful, and abided by university codes of conduct.