Encampment previously occupying the lawn in Kambri update

Message from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Dear all,

I am writing with an update regarding the encampment previously occupying the lawn in Kambri. 

Overnight, participants moved their protest site away from the lawn. This followed reasonable directions from both ANU and ACT Policing that the encampment needed to be immediately vacated due to a significant safety risk to the large number of people living in, working in and visiting the Kambri precinct.

I want to personally thank the encampment participants for working with us and ACT Policing to ensure the safety of everyone in our busiest precinct on campus as well as our broader community. I am grateful that they have prioritised the safety and wellbeing of the broader ANU community and helped address an immediate risk on campus. I also thank them for leaving the site in a clean and orderly manner.

The encampment participants have moved their protest site to an alternative venue on University Avenue, near the AD Hope Building. ANU has provided options for protestors to continue their protests in ways that are respectful and safe for the entire University community and campus. 

ANU has also invited protestors to genuine and open dialogue about their demands, in particular ones that the University can reasonably consider. This includes looking at our investments as a University and our sector-leading socially responsible investment policy. ANU has committed, in collaboration with ANUSA, to re-examine this policy and its current settings through the appropriate forum – in this case ANU Council. Protestors have been invited to meet with the University leadership to discuss this matter. So far, they have not taken up this invitation. The offer still stands.

As has always been the case, our students, staff and community have the right to protest on this issue – so long as they do so in ways that are safe, are appropriate for our campus and which adhere to Australian law and our codes of conduct. 

Our commitment to academic freedom and free speech is one of the many fine characteristics that define our University. Equally defining is our commitment to reduce and stop harm, not cause it. The University continues to provide wellbeing support and care for any members of our community who need it. The safety and wellbeing of our entire community is our highest priority. 

If you have further questions about the encampment and related protests, I encourage you to visit the University’s dedicated website. We will continue to update this site as well as our entire community on this important issue.

Kind regards, 
Grady 

Professor Grady Venville

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)