The Australian National University (ANU) has expelled two students and penalised 10 others in response to their participation in pro-Palestinian protests and remarks made on campus.
One of the disciplined students, Beatrice Tucker, a final-year visual arts student, was expelled and barred from campus after expressing support for the Palestinian cause and declining to denounce Hamas during a radio interview, stating: “Hamas deserves our unconditional support.”
A pro-Palestinian group at ANU released a statement alleging that Tucker faced media backlash and pressure from Zionist organisations, which led to calls for her expulsion.
Finnian Colwell, a member of the group, criticised the university’s actions and urged it to divest from Israel, saying: “ANU would rather punish students than divest from over $1 million invested in eight arms companies with links to Israel.
The ANU is complicit in genocide. It must drop all disciplinary action against students and cancel the Northrop Grumman internship, end its exchange program with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.”
ANU Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell announced that five of the 10 disciplinary cases had been resolved, with the other five still under review.
She also noted that four incidents had been referred to the Australian Federal Police for further investigation.
Bell stressed the university’s dedication to free speech and academic inquiry, despite recent challenges, as reported by local media.
Colwell disagreed with the university’s remarks to the Australian Senate, stating: “ANU informed parliament that eight students were asked to leave the camp, but in reality, it was 11.”
He also mentioned that they were unaware of the identity of the second student who was expelled.
Israel has maintained its heavy offensive on Gaza following a Hamas attack on October 7, despite a UN Security Council resolution urging for an immediate ceasefire.
Local health authorities report that about 36,600 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza since then, with over 83,000 others injured.
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