On August 7, 2024, 500-700 students gathered to take part in the fifth Student General Meeting (SGM) in the University of Sydney’s history organised by the Student Representative Council (SRC). It was an impressive feat of student participation birthed from the ongoing fight for Palestinian liberation.
Prior to the SGM, it was difficult to predict the turnout and reception . The meeting needed at least 200 undergraduate students to reach quorum and the SRC could only hope their organising efforts would materialise. By 4:30pm — 30 minutes before the start time — lines leading to the main Eastern Avenue Auditorium were extending out and around, all the way along City Road bridge.
The ethos of an SGM is a shared mission to hold management and tertiary institutions to account. Undergraduate students from across different faculties, year groups and backgrounds joined together in growing numbers. So much so that a second room opened up in the Chemistry Hall and student groups dialled in from the Conservatorium of Music. The sight of students approaching the hall in pairs and in groups, eagerly awaiting to sign in and take their seats was an inspiring scene that emboldened the meeting’s mission.
But to understand the power of the SGM, we must recognise the power of students. Honi Soit conducted short interviews with different students in line to see who was attending the meeting and the general atmosphere of attendees. To keep our conversations accessible and safe we asked one question, “Why are you here today?”
Students referenced various reasons for attendance; citing the University’s new strict Campus Access Policy, divestment demands and student solidarity. Others spoke to broader topics including anti-proliferation of weapon manufacturing and unfolding geopolitics.
Attendees acknowledged the historic power of the student movement, speaking to the anti-war movement, the state of student activism building upon the momentum of the Gaza Solidarity Encampment. Here is a collection of student interviews recorded at the 2024 SGM:
Interviews:
Hana: I am Lebanese and I am here because we need to cut ties with Israel.
Rahul: What is going on is not right and not cutting ties with Israel is a crime.
Tom: Mark Scott’s policies are almost totalitarian and suppresses our freedom of speech.
Sonnet & Aishlin: We don’t want your two-state, we want all of 48.
Tora: It is a tangible and an actual thing to do in support of Palestinian activism.
Jack: We are here to make it clear that students don’t support the proliferation of weapons manufacturers and research. And of course, to stand staunchly with Palestinian resistance.
Freya: Students have played a large part in the anti-Vietnam war movement. I am very proud to be in this tradition.
Pat: I am here to vote to dissolve USyd’s ties with weapons ties to universities and weapons manufacturing.
Cate & Red: To be a part of the vibrant student movement and get the University to divest from their horrific ties to Israel.
Roy: Just to protest what’s going on on campus and being here is showing up for all types of liberation.
Tiffany, Sarah & Ellie: We are here to support Palestine in the face of our University’s lack of action and further push to the fascist regime. When they make it harder to protest, we must reaffirm our position.
Jack: Solidarity with Palestine. I do not feel great giving my money to USyd who then gives it to Israel.
Charlie: I am here in solidarity with Palestine and this is a really good forum to make meaningful change and the fact that everyone is getting together is an impressive feat. I want to stand with everyone and get more involved.
Angus: To use our voice as a student stakeholder to pressure management.
Holly: I am here to support Palestine and believe USyd to be held accountable to their lack of action.
Alex: Important that more people understand USyd’s complicity with what’s going on.
Rand: Cut ties with Israel.
Deaglan: I am here because our university should not be complicit in a genocide and students have right to voice opposition.
Anonymous: Solidarity with Palestine.
Chris: To be a part of student history.
Conclusion
Despite this success, certain students revealed they didn’t know that the SGM was happening that day or found out last minute. Organising across campus and online platforms remains a critical obstacle for political activists, especially when it comes to increasing accessibility for the historically unengaged. Nevertheless, this event evinces one of the largest attendance for any political meeting post-COVID-19.
At the crux of this Student General Meeting, and every political action on campus, is the students. In these safe hands, the movement and fight for Palestinian liberation will persevere.
