Dear staff,
As we welcome the start of semester, I thought it would be a good time to remind staff about our UQ values of respect and inclusivity, and our responsibility to ensure that our campuses are safe and welcoming.
As I have said previously, the presence of encampments on campus last semester was difficult and divisive for many in our community. Below, I refer to key aspects of relevant UQ policies, which I hope provide clarity about the University’s position on free speech, protests and encampments going forward. In addition, I am confident that our work on our Anti-racism statement will help to build greater understanding and social cohesiveness.
Safeguarding respectful and safe free speech
The University is committed to upholding freedom of speech and academic freedom. This means that the University is a place where staff and students should enjoy the freedom to express their views and opinions.
However, the University’s policy relating to the use of UQ land does not permit encampments. It also indicates that permission must be sought to hold events such as public forums, lectures and film screenings. Minor updates have been made to this policy to provide greater clarity for our community.
While approval is not required for our staff and students to hold a protest or demonstration, we will be engaging with our community over the coming weeks about ways to ensure that protests remain safe and respectful for all involved. Through this engagement, we will be seeking guidance from experts in free speech.
In the meantime, I would encourage members of our community exercising their right to free speech to do so responsibly, considering the extent to which their perspectives may impact on others and ensuring that their behaviours are consistent with our staff and student codes of conduct.
Statement of Commitment update
Work has commenced on the dedicated speaker series and the university-wide Anti-racism Commitment, which includes antisemitism, outlined in our Statement of Commitment.
Professor Heather Zwicker, Executive Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences is leading these initiatives, and is working with representatives from Camp Shalom, Muslim Students for Palestine, UQ Student Union (UQU) and staff.
Over the coming weeks, we will be consulting with groups on our Sensitive Research Statement and research funding and investment disclosure tables. Once finalised, these will be shared on our website.
I would like to sincerely thank Heather and the representatives from Camp Shalom, Muslim Students for Palestine and UQU for their continued support, time and commitment.
I look forward to keeping our staff and student community updated as we progress with these important programs of work.
Best wishes
Debbie
