The University of Wollongong has passed a new set of policies which affect the way filming, protesting and privacy is handled on campus.
The new ‘campus access and order’ rules aim to prevent disruptive behaviours on campus and to maintain a respectful environment for students, staff and visitors alike.
However, University Students are worried the new policies which have been enforced by the University of Wollongong are to limit the right to ‘free speech’ on campus.
A spokesperson for the University stated that the changes were made to keep students and visitors on the campus safe.
“We are committed to, and have a duty of care, to create an inclusive and safe University environment that promotes cultural safety through respectful behaviours,” The University Spokesperson said.
Some of the new changes to the “campus access and order rules” involve the use of filming and recording equipment and unattended personal property which will now be regarded as lost property and removed by the University’s security.
Objects that fall under the ‘umbrella’ term of personal property are signs or fixtures to university land that aren’t permitted without approval. Tents, vans, structures or any form of camping on campus is now strictly prohibited in what the University explains will prevent “unreasonable disruption, harassment or intimidation on university land.”
The changes to camping on campus has affected The Palestinian Society and The Palestinian Liberation Zone Society, both of which are protesting groups of the University which have camped on University grounds in order to protest against the Palestine conflict.
A member of The Palestine Society, who wanted to be referred to as simply ‘Kate’ for this interview, stated that the war in Palestine needs a face-value demonstration to create a discussion internally.
“The UOW Palestinian Liberation Zone (UPLZ) camped in a non-harassing way, respecting the Universities grounds and its entrants.” The UOW Student Kate explained.
“The fact that it was shut down really shows that the important matters we stand for are attempted to be swept under the rug.”
The UOW Palestinian Liberation Zone’s inhabitants were asked to pack up on September 24, 2024 and move on two days later from their camp after the policies were enforced, leading students disgruntled and offended.
The change to the policies has affected some students, such as those in the Palestinian societies of UOW, stating that the policies were unwarranted and disrespectful for protestors.
“The changes happened seemingly out of nowhere, “ Student Kate said.
“There were no open lines of communication for the policy changes and no way we could have known this was coming.”
They state the policies are an attack on their “right to free-speech” as the policies were seemingly “out of nowhere.”
The Spokesperson for The University of Wollongong, however, stated that the policies were implemented to respect students rights and the safety of everyone on campus.
“Since May there has been some protest activity on campus, including two separate encampments. The University has kept open lines of respectful communication with protestors, impacted student groups, and other relevant stakeholders.”
“The University of Wollongong upholds the principles of academic freedom and free speech, encourages open expression, free and respectful date, and respects the right to peaceful protest,” The Spokesperson for the University said adamantly.
“We are committed to, and have a duty of care, to create an inclusive and safe University environment that promotes cultural safety through respectful behaviour.
The new guidelines mark a significant change to the policies of The University of Wollongong, last being written in 2005.
The future of student protests on campus is yet to be seen after these new changes, leaving both students and faculty staff in the wind about how efficiently and effectively the policies will be enforced in future protests on campus.
Feature image source: The University of Wollongong.