Communication to students
The below communication was sent to all students of the University of Melbourne by the Academic Registrar on 22 March 2024.
I am writing to outline your rights and responsibilities as a member of our University community, specifically when it comes to protests, activism, raising complaints and every individual’s right to feel safe on campus. You have an important role to play in contributing to everybody’s sense of belonging and security.
Many of our students and staff have strong ties to other communities, including those facing hardship, conflict, distress and significant suffering.
Respectful disagreement, freedom of speech and our policies
The University actively supports members of our student community to exercise their right to freedom of expression and to protest on issues that matter to them.
Our University community is home to many different views and opinions, and you may strongly disagree with some of these. Open-minded inquiry, encountering challenging ideas and respectful disagreement are part of the fabric of the University.
While we support your right to protest and express your ideas, please recognise that such rights and freedoms come with limitations. Our shared responsibility to respect the rights of others in the University and the broader community are outlined in our Student Charter.
We have official policies that serve to protect protests and other forms of student activism on campus and during University-supported activities, as well as to prevent actions or behaviour that adversely affect other members of the University community.
Examples of actions or behaviours that may breach our policies include, but are not limited to:
- Unreasonable disruption or forced cancellation of classes or events
- Infringing the rights of others to participate in activities
- Blocking access to buildings or activities
- Causing damage to University property
- Posing a risk to others’ safety and wellbeing
- Subjecting others to disrespectful, aggressive, intimidating or harassing behaviour
- Vilifying an individual on their own or as part of a group
- Taking photographs, video or audio recordings of classes without express permission from the supervising staff member and the written permission of any identifiable individual.
Seek support and know where to find out more
As noted above, while each of us has a right to freedom of speech, you are also able to raise concerns and seek support.
Please feel free to seek support or to raise a concern by writing to me.
If you ever have concerns for your safety, please contact our Safer Community program.
You may wish to explore the resources below:
- Student charter and Student Conduct Policy: key principles and rules outlining our values, your responsibility and what you’re entitled to expect
- Anti-racism commitment: our actions to respond to and prevent racism
- Freedom of Speech Policy and Academic Freedom of Expression Policy
- Health and wellbeing digital hub: resources and services to provide you with support.
We will not tolerate any form of racism or violence on our campuses or within our communities.
Thank you for playing your part to create a welcoming place for all.