Pro-Palestinian Activists Relocate ANU Gaza Camps in Response to Deadline
ANU stated that they have offered options for protests to continue in a respectful and safe manner.
Pro-Palestinian activists at the Australian National University (ANU) relocated their Gaza solidarity encampments after a midday deadline was issued on May 28.
This encampment is part of a global movement with over 130 similar camps demanding university divestment from companies associated with Israel during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The ANU activists are urging the university to reveal any financial connections to weapons manufacturers, arguing that their degrees should not be associated with violence inflicted on Gazans.
ANU Students for Palestine shifted their encampment from Kambri Lawns to University Avenue in response to safety and security concerns on May 27.
They also organized a rally on May 28 to exercise their right to peaceful protest and caution the university against being complicit in what they term an “unfolding genocide.”
These developments are occurring amidst escalating tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with recent strikes on Rafah and negotiations for hostages.
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A spokesperson for ANU confirmed to The Epoch Times that students were instructed to vacate the encampment site by midday as directed by the police, and the students have since complied. The university emphasized that the lawns serve as a primary evacuation zone for emergencies.
“ANU has given the protestors options to continue their protests in a manner that is both respectful and safe for the entire university community and campus. The university remains open to further discussions regarding these options with the protestors,” stated a spokesperson.
The university underscored its commitment to facilitating safe protests for all individuals on campus.
“Students have always had the right to protest, as long as it is done in a safe and appropriate manner that aligns with Australian law and our codes of conduct,” they added.
ANU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Grady Venville, reiterated that the university has provided avenues for protestors to express themselves in a manner that is respectful and safe for the university community.
This includes a review of university investments and its socially responsible investment policy.
“Protestors have been invited to engage with University leadership to address this matter, and the invitation remains open,” she explained in a statement.
She further emphasized that students, staff, and the community have the right to protest, provided it is done in a safe and appropriate manner that complies with Australian laws and university codes of conduct.
“Our commitment to academic freedom and free speech, along with our commitment to reducing harm rather than causing it, are fundamental aspects of our institution,” she stated.
Activists Call for Disclosure and Divestment
Several tents, Palestinian flags, and a Gaza Solidarity Encampment sign were visible at the students for Palestine camp at ANU.
On May 27, students were instructed by police and campus security to vacate the site by noon on May 28 due to safety concerns.
In response, ANU for Palestine stated that the decision to relocate was made collectively by members of the encampment, emphasizing their core goal of addressing the situation in Gaza in a post on Instagram.
“Our aim is for ANU to disclose and divest. No change in location, intimidation tactics, or threats will alter that goal,” they affirmed.
Meanwhile, a reported air strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah resulted in the deaths of 45 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry controlled by Hamas.
Conclusion of Other Encampments
Furthermore, students for Palestine at the University of Melbourne decided to end their encampment on May 23.
Students had been occupying the Arts West building at the university, renaming it Mahmoud’s Hall in memory of a student who lost his life in Gaza.
Vice Chancellor Duncan Maskell instructed the students to vacate the building due to concerns about its suitability for habitation.
Following an inspection on May 17 that revealed damage, including to emergency exits and fire safety equipment, the university deemed the situation disruptive to normal operations.
On May 22, Liberal shadow Education Minister Sarah Henderson raised concerns about safety for Jewish students and staff at the University of Melbourne.
Victorian Labor Premier Jacinta Allan also voiced her opinion on the matter, calling for an end to the “reckless behavior” at pro-Palestinian encampments.
The university affirmed its stance against discrimination or racism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Wrap-Up of RMIT Camps
Meanwhile, students for Palestine at RMIT will be concluding their encampment on May 30 as the teaching semester draws to a close.
They plan to hold a rally involving students and staff to mark the end of the encampment and demand the university sever ties with weapons manufacturers.
“With the conclusion of RMIT’s teaching semester and our occupation of Alumni Courtyard for four weeks, we will hold a closing rally on Thursday at 12 pm,” the group announced.
On a separate note, an incident occurred where the words “Jew Die” were vandalized on a fence at a Jewish school in Melbourne on May 24.
This act was condemned by various political figures, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ms. Henderson.
