University of Sydney vice-chancellor Mark Scott has told staff and students the institution has made significant changes to address antisemitism but accepts further work is needed.
In an email sent to the university community on Wednesday evening, Professor Scott reflected on his appearance earlier in the day before the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
He said he had reaffirmed the university’s position that antisemitism had no place on campus or in Australian society.
“We welcomed the opportunity to assist the Royal Commission and contribute to the national conversation about how we eliminate antisemitism and strengthen social cohesion,” Scott wrote.
His message followed questioning about the university’s response to antisemitism and the pro-Palestinian encampment established on campus in 2024.
Scott defended the university’s decision to negotiate an end to the encampment rather than call police to forcibly remove protesters, saying he feared such action could lead to violence and disorder.
However, he acknowledged Jewish students and staff had paid a price as the protest continued and apologised for the length of time it took to end.
In his email, Scott said the Bondi terror attack, which led to the establishment of the royal commission, had demonstrated the need to listen to Jewish Australians and respond with care.
“The attack, and the distressing experiences shared since by many Jewish Australians who have appeared before the Royal Commission, is a stark reminder of the ongoing need to engage, listen with compassion and respond with care,” he wrote.
Scott said he had reflected during his evidence on the university’s response to global events and the lessons it had learned since October 2023.
“Since October 2023, we have taken significant steps to deliver meaningful change,” he wrote.
“We have engaged and consulted deeply with the Jewish community and worked assiduously across the University to ensure we have the right foundations to ensure safety and wellbeing for all.”
He said the university wanted to ensure all staff, students and visitors felt safe and welcome on campus.
Scott pointed to an independent review of university policies and procedures and the introduction of reforms, while conceding the work was incomplete.
“While we have made important progress, we know there is still more work to be done,” he said.
The university’s Campus Access Policy prohibits protest encampments and demonstrations inside buildings and requires organisers to notify the university about planned demonstrations.
Scott said the university would continue to strengthen its governance, complaints procedures and policy settings while working with governments and community organisations to address racism.
He also defended the importance of academic freedom and freedom of speech, saying universities had a central role in maintaining social cohesion.
“Our University must be a place where people from all backgrounds can learn, work, express themselves and find a genuine sense of belonging,” he wrote.
Scott said the university would continue to assist the royal commission and carefully consider its findings and recommendations when they were delivered.