Free speech attacked at Sydney University

August 15, 2001
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BY PETER BOYLE

SYDNEY — As I rocked up to Sydney University for my usual Green Left Weekly sales spot on August 9, three university security officers were attempting to close down the Socialist Worker club's literature stall in the library forecourt.

According to a puce-faced security officer, new regulations mean that no stalls can be set up on campus without a permit. This restriction, said the officer, applied to students and registered student clubs.

Earlier this year, Resistance activists building the M1 blockade were similarly harassed. However, the activists responded with a free speech speak out outside the library that attracted several TV news teams. University security stayed away and their harassment was halted for the next few months.

Now it looks like the university administration is having another go. I spoke to many students about this attack on freedom of expression during my sales spot. They were all outraged. A Korean postgraduate student said that even during the dictatorship in his country there was relative freedom of expression on campuses.

The ALP-led student representative council and the local branch of the National Tertiary Education Union have been asked to lodge a strong protest. If the harassment of activists continues a free speech campaign will be launched.

Resistance national coordinator Nikki Ulasowski warned that if Sydney University was allowed to get away with such an attack on democratic rights other campus administrations might be tempted to follow.

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