AUJS says no to discrimination
The Australasian Union of Jewish Students has hit out at a letter in support of discrimination signed by Australian academics.
Matthew Lesh
On 30 July 2014 five naïve and innocent Jewish students attempted to attend an open public lecture hosted by the Monash Socialist Alternative. On arrival they were extensively interrogated, and ultimately not allowed to enter on the basis of their political views and religion.
On 2 September 2014, Monash Clubs and societies deregistered the Socialist Alternative on the basis that a club which undertakes discriminatory activity should not have access to official resources and venues.
In response over 90 Australian academics have signed an open letter titled, “Defend Free Speech- Reinstate the Monash Socialist Alternative Club”.
The Socialist Alternative have falsely claimed that their deregistration relates to speech, and some manner of conspiracy related to the Federal Education Minister, rather than their actions.
“The deregistration has nothing to do with speech, but rather the action of discrimination against Jewish students which has been undertaken,” said AUJS Political Affairs Director Matthew Lesh.
“The Socialist Alternative have never denied that they discriminated against Jewish students, an action that they see as fully justified,
Mr Lesh has said that signing of this letter only serves to alienate Jewish students on campuses across Australia.
“These academics have chosen to put their name to a highly offensive, and fundamentally false, statement that misrepresents the issue completely,” Mr Lesh said.
The deregistration comes in the context of cases of intimidation and harassment of Jewish students across Australia this semester.
“In the context of rising tensions in the Middle East, Jewish students on Australian campuses have felt alienated and targeted this semester,” Mr Lesh said, “we continue to work closely with universities and student representatives to address these issues.”
I believe in free speech also. The 90 academics have made an important statement – let them stand behind their statement by publishing their names.
I understand all the signatories have done it openly. Incidentally A former Israeli citizen is walking from Sydney to Canberra in support of the BDS movement. Zionists might wish to hold an open debate with him.
Someone needs reminding the support indirecly the Jewish homeland is giving to the US led campaign we’re involved with, to make Australia a safer place for them to live in.