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Our shared responsibility to foster a safe and inclusive campus environment

17 February 2026

Dear students, 

I’m delighted to welcome you to our campuses ahead of Semester 1. You're part of a large and diverse student body and a broader academic community dedicated to learning and the pursuit of knowledge.  

Like any community, ours thrives when everyone feels safe, respected, and that they belong. Every student has the right to participate in university life in an environment that is safe, respectful and free from harm. We are working hard to ensure that wherever our students gather, whether on campus, online, in residential settings or at University-related activities, they find welcoming and inclusive spaces where people from all backgrounds, faiths, cultures, and identities feel valued, and heard.

Our shared responsibilities to create a safe and respectful environment  

You can expect to be treated with respect, fairness, and dignity by staff and fellow students, and we're actively listening to your concerns and applying our policies and processes in ways that are transparent, supportive, and procedurally fair, particularly in matters involving safety, discrimination, racism, antisemitism, and sexual harm. 

Any behaviour or conduct that risks the safety and wellbeing of individuals and communities is unacceptable. 

 We will not tolerate:

  • harassment, bullying, intimidation or discrimination 
  • racism, antisemitism, or other forms of hate or vilification 
  • sexual harm or gender-based violence 
  • threats or violence. 

Sexual harm, gender-based violence, and hate-based conduct cause serious and lasting harm to individuals and communities. They are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. 

In line with this, you’re expected to meet the standards set out in our Student Charter and related policies, which can be found on our Policy Register.  

Where these expectations are not met, the University will act consistently and fairly, which may include disciplinary action and outcomes that affect a student’s enrolment, or progression. 

You are also expected to comply with the law, including evolving laws relating to hate speech and public order.

Exercising freedom of speech responsibly 

Universities are places of learning, inquiry, and discovery. At the University of Sydney, we value freedom of speech, academic freedom, and the open exchange of ideas.

At the same time, these freedoms come with responsibilities. They must be exercised in ways that respect the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of others. Robust discussion and disagreement are welcome, however behaviour that causes harm or undermines safety is not acceptable. 

Creating a safe, inclusive, and thriving community is a shared responsibility. It depends on each of us acting with integrity, empathy, and respect, challenging racism, and prejudice when we see them, and speaking up when behaviour falls short of our standards. 

Accessing support and reporting an issue of concern 

If you experience or witness behaviour that concerns you, the University is here to support you and provide advice if you’re unsure what to do. You have access to a number of confidential support and reporting options, including:

  • Student Affairs Unit - help with complaints about concerning behaviour or decisions of the University 
  • SafeZone - immediate on-campus assistance from security 
  • Safer Communities - specialist support for people who experience sexual harm and gender-based violence 
  • Student Wellbeing - counselling, health and wellbeing support 

My hope is that this year is one of learning, connection, and mutual respect. By upholding these shared values, you help ensure that our University remains a place where free inquiry can flourish alongside safety, belonging, and care for one another. 

I look forward to seeing you on campus.

Best,
Joanne

Professor Joanne Wright
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students)

 

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