Dear staff,
I am writing to provide staff and students with an update on the proactive approach the University is taking to engage with protest organisers on a peaceful resolution to the current protest camps.
We remain firmly committed to continuing discussions with the organisers to achieve this goal. I met with camp representatives and the UQ Student Union President last Friday, and I would like to thank them for taking the time to share the perspectives of their communities.
You have my personal assurances that we will make every effort to work with both groups to understand their concerns and what the University can do to address them, and to progress a peaceful resolution to the camps.
However, we also need to ensure we minimise disruption to core university activities during the forthcoming major assessment and exam period. For this reason, we would like the camps to discontinue as soon as possible. At the same time, we will continue to uphold our commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom.
Last night, UQ’s Senate endorsed this approach. The statement from the Chancellor, Mr Peter Varghese AO, reaffirms our commitment to freedom of speech and recognises that there are limits to free speech, relating to safety and disruption to campus activities and operations. In addition, any protests and related debate and discourse must be civil, ensuring our campuses remain respectful and inclusive places. Hate speech and antisemitism will not be tolerated at UQ.
I again want to acknowledge that the past few weeks have been difficult for our community, and we have heard from some that they have felt unsafe, hurt and unheard. There have also been unacceptable incidents that have crossed the line of freedom of speech and we have responded, as appropriate.
Our focus in the coming months will be to build trust and understanding with staff and students on how we can have respectful, civil discourse on topics that are complex and divisive.
The next few weeks are a busy and pressured time for students and staff in the lead up to exams. During this critical time in the academic schedule, I hope we can agree on a plan and timeline for a transition from the current camps to a safer alternative protest arrangement.
Best wishes
Debbie
