The vice-chancellors of two of Australia’s most prestigious universities must expel students and call in the police to combat an alarming rise in antisemitism on campuses.
In the face of escalating harassment, intimidation and threats of violence by pro-Palestinian activists, the University of Sydney and University of Melbourne are failing to act against this ugly tide of hatred.
These universities have strong policies to safeguard students and staff, but are failing to take appropriate action.
The protest encampments must be dismantled.
The weakness of the universities is surpassed only by Education Minister, Jason Clare, who has been missing in action.
If he can’t do his job and throw the book at universities which fail to keep people safe on campus, he should resign.
Minister Clare has even refused to directly condemn the “kids’ excursion” at Sydney University which encouraged young children to chant anti-Israel slogans such as “intifada” and participate in a march calling Israel a terrorist state.
This indoctrination of children not only fuels hatred and division, but puts their well-being at risk.
I also call on Minister Clare to cancel a taxpayer-funded research project awarded to Macquarie University academic, Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah, after she led children at the protests.
Australian taxpayers should not be providing $837,000 to an activist academic who has engaged in such appalling conduct.