The University of Sydney Gaza Solidarity Encampment has announced in a statement that it is ending after occupying the Quadrangle lawns since April 23.
The decision comes after management ordered the encampment to shut down three days ago and began removing what it deemed unattended property and “rubbish.”
This morning, the University erected signs on Eastern Avenue and near Fisher Library indicating it is now a legal offence to remain on the lawns if asked to leave, in an escalation of efforts to remove the encampment.
Citing the Inclosed Lands Protection Act of 1901 (NSW), signs posted on campus say the lawns surrounding the Quadrangle are now an “inclosed space” meaning that activists “will be committing an offence if you are asked to leave…and refuse.”
Violators of the act could receive fines ranging from $550 to $1,100 depending on the severity of the offence.
In an email to the University community this morning, Vice Chancellor Mark Scott reiterated that the decision to force the closure of the encampment was so they could “prepare for Semester 2 Welcome Fest.”
The email claimed that “the lawns have become damaged – in some places, quite badly – by use for which they are not intended,” arguing that because “preparations for Welcome Fest to be core University operations,” the encampment constitutes “a significant and unacceptable disruption.”
Encampment organisers refused multiple versions of a deal proposed by the University in recent weeks, after negotiations broke down. The deal did not guarantee any divestment from Israel-aligned companies or defence contractors.
The signs are the latest step in a pattern of escalation from the University to put pressure on the encampment. Two students have received suspensions for alleged violations of the Student Charter and campus security have begun clearing tents they said were unoccupied.
In the statement announcing the Encampement’s end, activists said they was “incredibly proud of our achievement in involving hundreds of new and diverse students in activism,” and that “it inspired student activists around the country to set up their own protest camps, in a nationwide campaign”.
Honi Soit understands encampment members have been given until the end of this week to collect their belongings before campus security clears the rest.
Honi also understands that the Sydney University Muslim Students Association (SUMSA) plans to meet with management about its decision.
Encampment organisers have remained defiant that activism will continue next semester, with organisers planning a Student General Meeting (SGM) on August 7, replicating the SGM recently attended by over 1500 students at the University of Queensland, to continue putting pressure on management.
Honi asked the University what actions would be taken if students did not vacate the Quad lawns, and if students had been given a deadline to remove belongings, but did not receive a response to specific questions.
A spokesperson referred to the Vice Chancellor’s email sent to students and staff today, telling Honi “The letter made clear the University considers Welcome activities and preparations for Semester 2 to be core University operations, and any activity that impedes our ability to prepare for them in the usual fashion would constitute a significant and unacceptable disruption.”
“We remain in discussions with student encampment representatives, and still hope to reach peaceful resolution,” the spokesperson said.
