Sydney Life

Some of you may be aware that Sydney Uni has received some unwelcome media attention lately. Apparently, Jewish members of the student community have been physically and verbally abused on campus. Nothing, and I repeat this, NOTHING, could be more utterly reprehensible than this, and the actions of these students in no way reflect the values of the University of Sydney.

Although I’ve often had heated debates with some members of the Jewish community about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, nothing has EVER moved me towards slandering or physically assaulting those with whom I argue. And this should be the standard. University is all about politics – student politics, international politics, domestic politics. People have strong opinions, and should have a forum to express those opinions. But no one should ever have to put up with any kind of slander or physical abuse based on their race, religion, cultural affiliation, sexuality, or any way they choose to live their lives.

Although I have only recently enrolled at Sydney Uni, I noticed from the very moment that I arrived that it was a place that not only accepted diversity, but embraced it with open arms. The people who have carried out these crimes DO NOT represent the majority of students at the university, who are peace loving, tolerant, and entirely accepting. The University has been resolute in its condemnation of this appalling act, right from the highest echelons, with Vice Chancellor Gavin Brown himself deploring the abuse.

There is not much more I can say. I do not officially represent the student body at the University of Sydney, so I cannot talk on their behalf. But I can say that I, as a student of the University, and all those who think the same as me, will not let a disgusting and heinous act shame our university. We are tolerant, we are democratic, and we love diversity, and we will make sure that our university remains so.