23 July 2024
Open letter in defence of freedom of speech for pro-Palestine student activists at Curtin

To the Curtin University executive,

We the undersigned stand in opposition to the measures being taken at Curtin University to oppose pro-Palestine organising. We understand these measures as efforts to intimidate students and limit free speech on campus.

Firstly, we oppose the banning of the phrase “from the river to the sea.” We reject the claim that this phrase is “offensive.” Rather, this is a slogan that supporters of Palestine have used for decades to call for equal rights for all people, of all religions who live between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea (or historic Palestine).

Secondly, we firmly reject the notion that pro-Palestine students should be banned from postering or handing out leaflets on university property. We see this, and the argument that leafleting students about pro-Palestinian events is “harrassment,” as a thinly veiled effort to close down political organising. We find the timing of these declarations deeply suspicious given the activism that has taken place, primarily at last semester’s Palestine encampment criticising the University’s ties to various arms companies.

Finally, we find the targeting of individual activists deeply disturbing. The email communication with prominent pro-Palestine student activists Ella Marchionda and Erin Russell which alerts them to the fact that they are “on notice,” is very concerning and leads us to believe the university is trying to lay the basis for discipline of such activists.

Curtin can not claim to support freedom of speech while taking such repressive actions.

Curtin claims to oppose the violation of humanitarian law. In its statement after the Gaza encampment, Curtin wrote that it “does not condone contravention of international humanitarian law and calls for the protection of civilians in all conflicts”.

It also claims the moral highground as a space for discussion and debate, stating “Curtin values academic freedom, freedom of speech and respectful debate. We believe that all universities should be a sanctuary for freedom and democracy.” It also states that “Curtin is a proud member of Scholars at Risk, an international network of higher education institutions dedicated to protecting scholars and promoting academic freedom around the world.” Except, it seems, when such discussion leads to direct criticism of the university.

We demand that Curtin revoke the ban on the phrase “from the river to the sea”, allow students to put up posters, hand out leaflets, and organise other forms of political activism on campus (including that which is critical of the university) and cease its intimidation of pro-Palestine student activists.

253
signatures
227 verified
  1. Ramzan Khan, Senior Lecturer, The University of Western Australia, Perth
  2. Janet Parker, Public servant, Jews for Palestine, Perth
  3. Kerry Haynes, Duncraig
  4. Victoria Mason, Academic, Murdoch university, Perth
  5. Caroline Fleay, Academic, Curtin University, Perth
  6. Colin Dr Hughes, Tutor, Curtin Medical School, Cottesloe
  7. Lisa Hartley, Academic, Curtin University, Perth
  8. Vivienne Anderson, Professor, University of Otago, Dunedin
  9. Tebeje Molla, Researcher, Deakin University, Melbourne
  10. Jonnell Uptin, Academic, University Of Sydney, Kiama
  11. Linda Briskman, Academic, Western Sydney University, Sydney
  12. Sally Baker, Co-Chair, Refugee Education Special Interest Group, Newcastle
  13. Olivier Jutel, Lecturer, University of Otago, Dunedin
  14. David Jenkins, Lecturer, University of Otago, Dunedin
  15. Reece Roberts, Senior Lecturer, University of Auckland, Auckland
  16. Brandon Johnstone, Administrator, University of Otago, Dunedin
  17. Baden Offord AO, Emeritus Professor, Curtin University, Perth
  18. Anne Pedersen, Retired academic, Anne Pedersen, Murdoch
  19. Alison Phipps, Professor, University of Glasgow, Glasgow
  20. Jim Ife, Emeritus Professor, Curtin University, Perth
...
187 more
verified signatures
  1. alison broinowski, former diplomat, Australians for War Powers Reform, Paddington
  2. Garry Holliday, Alfred Cove
  3. David Isaacs, Retired paediatrician, University of Sydney, Sydney
  4. Safiyyah Abbas, Paediatric doctor, Australian and New Zealand Doctors for Palestine, Sydney
  5. Nilanthy Vigneswaran, Doctor, Australian and NZ Doctors for Palestine, Melbourne
  6. Peter Limb, retired, emeritus MSU, Perth
  7. Michael Cohen, Student, Perth
  8. Franco Smargiassi, Producer, Joondanna
  9. Dr Eileen Whitehead, retired, IPAN, Perth
  10. Christopher Crouch, Director, Chinoiserie Fine Arts, Perth
  11. Robert J Baker, Retired Public Servant, Curtin ACT
  12. anonymous
  13. Kevin Patrick Daly, Mechanical Fitter, Rockingham
  14. Diana McGinn, Design,er, Fremantle
  15. Geoffrey Bradshaw, Medical Practitioner, Medical Practitioner, South Hobart
  16. Jenny Grounds, Doctor, Medical Association for Prevention of WAr, Riddells Creek
  17. Angelita, Student, University of New South Wales, Sydney
  18. Louisa Romanous, Librarian, CONSTITUTION HILL
  19. Mila Vasilic, Clinical scientist, medical student, Perth
  20. Celeste Henderson, Lecturer, Brixham
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