(The Australian, 23/5/2024)
Putting humanity above Politics – bravo – Mark
Student activists have ended their sit-in at the University of Melbourne after a full week of occupying the Arts West building.
UniMelb 4 Palestine and representatives of the protesters at the building said they had reached a deal with the university.
The pro-Palestine supporters say the academic institution has agreed to disclose all research partnerships with weapons manufacturers.
“This is a first step, divestment from those that profiteer from genocide remains our number one priority and demand and we will not rest until full divestment is achieved,” Dana from UniMelb 4 Palestine said on Wednesday night.
“We stand by our claim that he university remains complicit in the genocide in Gaza, and continues to fail in its obligations to humanity.
“The past month has proven that winning it is the power of students and staff is something that university cannot hide from.”
Dana said the group wants to see disclosure within a month, and that an independent body “of our choice” should oversee the disclosure process.
“We urge Melbourne University’s Chancellor Jane Hansen to intervene and ensure that the university does not penalise any participant in the Mahmoud’s Hall and in the encampment,” she added.
The University of Melbourne confirmed the sit-in will disband.
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