Dear students,
Yesterday I appeared before the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion on behalf of the University of Sydney. I reaffirmed our position that antisemitism has no place in our society or our university, and we welcomed the opportunity to assist the Royal Commission and contribute to the national conversation about how we eliminate antisemitism and strengthen social cohesion.
The Royal Commission was established following the Bondi terror attack that struck at the heart of Sydney’s Jewish community. The attack, and the distressing experiences shared since by many Jewish Australians who have appeared before the Royal Commission, is a stark reminder of the ongoing need to engage, listen with compassion and respond with care.
I reflected on how the University has responded to challenging global circumstances, including what we have learned, and what we have done to tackle antisemitism on our campuses.
While giving evidence, I wanted to reaffirm our support for the Jewish community and what we have done to ensure all staff, students and visitors feel safe and welcome at the University.
Since October 2023, we have taken significant steps to deliver meaningful change. We have engaged and consulted deeply with the Jewish community and worked assiduously across the University to ensure we have the right foundations to ensure safety and wellbeing for all. This has included an independent review of our policy settings, and the introduction of significant reforms. While we have made important progress, we know there is still more work to be done.
We will continue to strengthen our governance, complaints processes, and policy settings, while partnering with the government and broader community on actions that challenge racism in all its forms.
The focus on universities this week has been a clear reminder that we have an important role to play in maintaining social cohesion. Academic freedom and freedom of speech are core to our pursuit of knowledge. We embrace the vibrant plurality of ideals, and it was good to be able to engage at the Commission about how we seek to protect and advance these important principles. Our University must be a place where people from all backgrounds can learn, work, express themselves and find a genuine sense of belonging.
We will continue to engage openly and constructively with the Royal Commission and will carefully consider the Commission’s findings and recommendations when they are delivered.
Kind regards,
Mark
Professor Mark Scott
Vice-Chancellor and President
