Pro-Palestine students occupying a Melbourne University building have been ordered to pack up and leave or face possible expulsion as faculty protests continue nationally.
The expulsion threat came on the same day two students were arrested at the University of Queensland.
It comes as students at universities across the country continue to stage protests demanding the institutions sever ties with weapons companies linked to Israel’s attacks.
Melbourne University Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell this morning issued a direction for protesters to remove their property and leave the building, where they have been for six days.
“The University of Melbourne is committed to being a place where the thoughtful exchange of divergent views may occur in a civil and peaceful manner, and respects the right to freedom of speech and expression and the right to assembly to engage in peaceful protest,” the notice said.
“However, university grounds must not be used for protest that is not peaceful, for protest in a manner that jeopardises the safety and security of persons using university premises, or unreasonably interferes with core university activities.
“Camping is not allowed on university premises. Occupation of buildings is not permitted.”
The notice warned those who didn’t comply with the warning would face expulsion.
Students defied the demands. They want the university to cut all ties with Israel.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the force would continue to work closely with the university in response to ongoing protests.
They told 9News there had been no formal complaint from the university.
“Police are constantly monitoring the activity and are well equipped to respond to any public order issues if required,” the spokesperson said.
“At this stage, Victoria Police has not been requested to intervene or remove protestors.
“Police will continue to liaise with university security and patrol the area to provide reassurance to the broader community.”
Students at La Trobe University also held a rally this afternoon.
Meanwhile, police arrested two pro-Palestine activists as protests erupted at the University of Queensland.
The pair had climbed onto a roof at the campus at St Lucia in Brisbane’s inner-west.
Officers surrounded by protesters were forced to link arms to try and move them off the roads.
No charges have been laid.
The University says it “does not condone the actions of the protesters”, calling it “completely unacceptable.”
The university said it would be taking action.
