The University of Sydney’s (USyd) threat to suspend Luna, a transgender refugee, for writing pro-Palestine messages on a whiteboard has highlighted management’s attempt to repress campus activism.
USyd alleged Luna had engaged in “inappropriate and unreasonable conduct”, under the draconian new Campus Access Policy (CAP). Her messages called on the university to cut ties with weapons manufacturers and Israeli institutions.
USyd threatened Luna with suspension which, under the terms of her student visa, could mean sending her back to danger in Malaysia.
It was only when Luna went public, making headlines around the world, that USyd rescinded its threats, blaming an “administrative error”.
The CAP is part of a broader attempt to erode protest rights, with draconian anti-protest laws introduced in most states.
Jason Yat-sen Li, Labor MP for Strathfield, is also a member of the USyd Senate. His government has introduced the most repressive anti-protest laws in the country.
NSW pro-Palestine activists have been charged for non-violent protests such as protesting ZIM Shipping at Port Botany, paddling out in the Port of Newcastle to block coal ships going to Israel, protesting outside a weapons expo and handling red food dye at a pro-Palestine rally.
While the deportation threat against Luna has been put on hold, she may still be subject to other punishments.
The CAP means all students could potentially face harsh punishments for protesting and students or staff cannot hold university management accountable.
It is possible that other international students may have already been deported.
The CAP must be scrapped if students are to be able to ensure management can be held accountable.
The threat to Luna also reminds us of the links between Australia’s treatment of international students and the ongoing struggle for refugee rights.
Pride in Protest (PiP) activists have been campaigning to free a trans woman held in the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre and expose the horrific reality of Labor’s border policy.
PiP has been organising visits with detainees to coordinate aid and collect information to help pressure the Department of Home Affairs.
Its campaign was successful in thwarting plans to deport women who had fled transphobic violence back to danger.
The release of individual detainees and challenging deportation threats are important victories; detainees can and have been freed with support from the community.
But Labor, with the support of the Coalition, has introduced harsh anti-immigration and anti-refugee policies which need to be rescinded.
Last November, Labor’s bill allowed for mobile phones to be confiscated from people in immigration detention. Mobile phones are one of the few links detainees have with the outside world.
Not having contact with the world outside exacerbates detainees’ poor conditions in these privatised centres.
It also removes any accountability on Border Force officers who routinely mistreat detainees.
Luna’s case highlights the need for solidarity between movements for refugee rights, trans justice and the struggle for a free Palestine.
[Sign the open letter to support Luna and attend the Trans Day of Visibility national day of action.]