UWA STUDENTS WARNED: EVEN TRUE STATEMENTS COULD BREACH POLICY

BY ASAD KHAN

Students at the University of Western Australia (UWA) claim new policies are stifling free speech, with warnings that even factually accurate statements could violate university rules if they cause offence or distress.

In an email to the Students for Palestine group, UWA’s Director of Student Life stated that objectively true statements could still breach policy if deemed harmful.

The university has also imposed restrictions on student-led slogans and pre-lecture announcements. Among the prohibited expressions is the phrase “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free,” which students were prevented from displaying on a banner.

The crackdown coincides with increased scrutiny of UWA’s research funding, following reports that the United States has paused grants due to concerns over the university’s policies on diversity, gender, and climate issues.

The National Union of Students has criticised UWA’s stance, describing it as one of the most extreme examples of campus censorship in Australia.

Clare Francis, a member of Students for Palestine, argued that the policy sets a dangerous precedent.

“The Director of Student Life saying that we might not be able to say things that are objectively true, including pointing out the real war crimes of Israel against the Palestinians, explaining the current genocide that is taking place in Gaza—that might not be allowed,”

“Students might face discipline for explaining these things and talking about them, even if they are objectively true, under the guise of saying this might cause harm to others.”

UWA has not publicly responded to the criticism. The policy changes have sparked concerns among students and advocacy groups regarding academic freedom and freedom of speech on campus.

Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Asad Khan speak with Clare Francis: