AIJAC calls for nullification of Sydney University’s agreement with protestors
AIJAC has railed against the agreement made between Sydney University and pro-Pastelinian protesters.
“The University of Sydney’s capitulation to the demands of the Sydney University Muslim Students’ Association (SUMSA) provides the allies of the extremist Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir with immediate rewards for defying the rules and other bad behaviour, and long-term promises that guarantee that these same extremists will be allowed to have a permanent privileged role in reshaping university culture. The agreement clearly calls into question the University’s ability to provide an open space for academics and students alike to learn or conduct research in an environment free from political interference – especially for Jews, Israelis and anyone who supports Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.
“Hizb ut-Tahrir’s involvement in the illegal encampments and intimidation of students, as recently revealed by the Nine Network, must be seen in the context of its historic flirtation with support for terrorism.
It should immediately raise a red flag over the agreement Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott made with SUMSA. AIJAC urges the immediate rescinding or nullification of this wrong-headed agreement, which rewards such extreme and irresponsible actors and will only invite more and more politicised attacks on Australian academia – while providing special rights and privileges to purveyors of blind hatred and antisemitism.”
A Sydney University spokesperson said:
The proposal commits to:
· disclosing our defence- and security-related research activities including research contracts and research grants, subject to contractual, legal and privacy obligations.
· disclosing our investments in defence- and security-related industries.
· doubling our expenditure over the next three years to support academics and PhD students under the Scholars-at-Risk Program.
· committing to fostering a greater understanding of racism and to building respect for ethnic and cultural difference in the wider community.
· We will convene a working group to undertake a review of the position of defence- and security-related industries in our Investment Policy and our Integrated ESG Framework.
