EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been edited since publication. An earlier version incorrectly said the student was facing “expulsion”.
The University of Sydney has retracted its original statement saying that they would potentially suspend an international student over their involvement in writing pro-Palestine messages on campus whiteboards, stating that the original notice of misconduct included “incorrect information”.
“We have identified that an appendix to the notice contained an administrative error relating to the likely penalties that would be imposed if the student admitted the conduct,” the updated statement reads.
“The error is being rectified, and the student will be provided with the correct information, advice and relevant support as a priority. The student will also be provided with an extension of time to provide her response.”
The student, who is transgender and is seeking asylum from Malaysia on a student visa, was facing suspension from the university on a misconduct-related charge for allegedly writing popular protest phrases such as “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and “USyd Vice Chancellor Mark Scott supports Gaza Genocide”, on campus whiteboards in green marker.
A registrar originally told the student that if she did not produce a written response or attend a preliminary meeting she could face potential suspension or other disciplinary action against them. The student was also told to keep the university’s processes strictly confidential.
The University claimed that the student breached its updated campus policy clause, which bans graffiti and posters on outside noticeboards.
“The green marker that you used above was not a whiteboard marker, and the text you wrote was difficult to remove from the whiteboards,” the registrar said.
In a written response, the student in question stated that being suspended from the University is a “direct threat of life-threatening violence”.
“I am a transgender woman seeking asylum in Australia due to immense violence and persecution in my home country, Malaysia,” she wrote.
“As a transgender woman, I have been denied access to gender-affirming care, including hormone replacement therapy, in Malaysia and can only access essential health care in Australia.
“This means that the threat of suspension is a direct threat of life-threatening violence and forced de-transition, removing my access to hormone replacement therapy.”
The updated statement made by the university was issued on March 6, and mentions that staff are in contact with the aforementioned student.
“Following concerns raised by a student about a notice they were issued relating to alleged misconduct, the University of Sydney can confirm we are in contact with the student and we have confirmed the likely penalty range does not include potential suspension, apologised and offered any appropriate support that might be required,” the statement read.
“The safety and wellbeing of our community is our prime concern at all times, and we deeply regret any confusion or distress relating to this issue.”
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