She said the university had followed its policies in relation to the hearings, upholding confidentiality and procedural fairness.
University of Melbourne Provost Nicola Phillips.
“We have consistently stated that we recognise the right of students and staff to participate in peaceful protest, and at no time have we sought to restrict this,” Phillips said.
“These matters relate to the circumstances surrounding the occupation of one of our buildings. They are not related to freedom of speech or peaceful protest.”
When misconduct has been substantiated in a University of Melbourne’s hearing process, a reprimand can be issued in writing to the student, alongside a caution against repeated behaviour.
In an email seen by The Age, students were told they had breached the university’s code of conduct during the pro-Palestine protests in May. They were also sent individualised CCTV footage from inside the building as evidence of wrongdoing.
The Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner confirmed earlier this month it was investigating the University of Melbourne, which is bound by the Privacy and Data Protection Act, over its use of surveillance footage.
During the occupation, students had renamed the Arts West building Mahmoud’s Hall, in honour of Palestinian student Mahmoud Alnaouq, who they say intended to study at Melbourne University on a scholarship this year but was killed alongside 19 family members in Gaza on October 20.
Student group UniMelb for Palestine has been contacted for comment.
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