Allegations of antisemitism surface amidst pro-Palestine protests at University of Oxford, leading to arrests, while Australian National University (ANU) engages in dialogues with pro-Palestine protesters following a camp relocation for safety reasons.
University of Oxford and ANU Face Protests Over Antisemitism and Pro-Palestine Encampments
Oxford, UK: University of Oxford student Madeline Bryant, 20, has resigned from her position as vice-president of the Junior Common Room (JCR) at St Hugh’s College, citing a “tide of antisemitism” on campus. Her resignation follows allegations of antisemitic incidents related to a pro-Palestinian protest encampment by the Oxford Action for Palestine group. The group set up the encampment after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7. On Friday, 17 people were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass during a sit-in at a university building.
Bryant, who is Jewish and from New Jersey, USA, said her motion condemning antisemitism at the university was sidelined, while another motion to sever ties with Israel proceeded to a vote. She announced her resignation to 400 JCR members and highlighted the lack of productive debate and engagement on these issues.
Canberra, Australia: At the Australian National University (ANU), pro-Palestine student protesters relocated their camp by 50 meters ahead of a deadline set by the university to disband their site, which had been in place for nearly four weeks. The relocation followed a directive from ANU’s facilities that cited safety concerns due to the camp’s location in a fire evacuation zone.
ACT Police, at the university’s request, warned students that failure to comply could lead to further action. Protest organizers condemned these actions as intimidation tactics and stated their aim was to ensure ANU degrees were not contributing to genocide. ANU has provided alternative locations for the protest to ensure safety and continued dialogue.
No arrests have been made related to the encampment at ANU, and the university continues discussions with protestors while ensuring campus safety. The protesters remain determined to achieve their demands, including the disclosure and divestment from ties to weapons manufacturers. Other universities in Australia, such as the University of Melbourne and Curtin University, have begun to negotiate and meet some demands of similar protests.
Key Details
- Oxford Antisemitism Incidents: Alleged increase amid pro-Palestine protests; 17 arrests made.
- ANU Protests: Camp relocated for safety; ongoing dialogues with ANU administration.
