La Trobe University is aware that a group of students are exercising their right to protest and have set up an encampment today (Tuesday 7 May) at our Melbourne (Bundoora) campus.
Peaceful and respectful protest is fundamental to the University’s values and is protected by the law and by our University policies including the Model Code for the Protection of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom in Australian Higher Education Providers.
It is important that our community can freely share views, ideas and opinions, and the University is working to ensure that this is facilitated in a safe and inclusive way.
Everyone has a right to be safe and to feel welcome on campus, and the safety of our staff, students and community is our priority. La Trobe does not tolerate any kind of racism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. In accordance with the law and our policies, we will not accept discriminatory, abusive, threatening or violent behaviour by any person on our campuses, nor damage to property.
To ensure safety for all, including those participating in the protest, our University security team will be present to provide support.
A range of safety and support services are available for our students and staff including:
- Student Wellbeing team
- Staff Health and Wellbeing team
- Concerning behaviour should be reported to the University’s Safer Community team or Campus Security.
