The RMIT University Student Union (RUSU) have called for an end to the ongoing war in Gaza in a statement issued online.
The document offers support to those who engage in “peaceful protest” and condemns any expression of Islamophobia and Antisemitism towards RMIT students.
“RUSU condemns the war in Gaza and the horrific impact of this war on civilians. We condemn the bombing campaigns on Gaza, including in areas that have been designated as humanitarian safe zones,” the Union said in the statement.
“RUSU supports the calls for an immediate ceasefire. The atrocities in Gaza need to end!”
At least 39,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
The Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education claims 353 government schools/universities and 65 UNRWA institutions have been bombed in the same period, according to local news agency WAFA.
RUSU President Ella Byrne told The Swanston Gazette that the purpose of the statement is to create clarity.
“RUSU's Student Union Council has passed motions about Palestine in January, May and July this year. We lobbied RMIT University in support of the demands of the RMIT Student Encampment in semester one,” Byrne said.
“RUSU released this statement when students returned to campus for semester 2 as we realised that many students did not know what RUSU's position is and students were asking.”
In their statement, RUSU also “demands that RMIT discloses its partnerships with all weapons manufacturers and with companies working with the Israeli government”.
Last semester, Gaza Solidarity Encampment members pressured RMIT leadership to shut down the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence & Aerospace Centre, which is a research hub that develops technology for Australian military and aerospace programs.
RMIT and the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence & Aerospace Centre have strong ties to Boeing, including a $40,000 PhD scholarship that supports students to collaborate with the manufacturer.
This relationship caused outrage among Pro-Palestinian protestors as Boeing has built and delivered Joint Direct Attack Munition kits along with other weapons to Israel throughout the conflict.
The Swanston Gazette contacted RMIT for comment.
A spokesperson for the university stated that they are not involved in weapons development schemes.
“RMIT does not design, develop or manufacture weapons or munitions in the university or as part of any partnership,” they said.
“We respect the role that RUSU plays in representing RMIT students and their right to express their views on important topics.”
“RMIT supports the exercise of freedom of speech among students that is lawful and free from any form of discrimination, racism or behaviour that could put the safety and wellbeing of our community at risk.”
RUSU is not the first student union to declare their support for Palestine.
In 2022, the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) overwhelmingly passed a motion against “the Israeli occupation of Palestine” and “the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinians”.
The motion was then incorporated into UMSU’s Stance Booklet which outlines policy and ideology practiced by the Union.
“The apartheid and oppression of Palestinians will not be ignored, upheld, or accepted by the university’s student body,” UMSU said in their Stance Booklet.
At RMIT, the Union says it will continue to champion causes that are important to students.
“RUSU is by students, for students. Our job is to represent students. RUSU recognises that this is a very complex situation and there are different opinions among RMIT students,” Byrne said.
“However, we are hearing from many students that they want to see an end to the conflict, devastation and death in Gaza.”
“While RUSU's core role is representing and advocating for RMIT students, we also have a long and proud history of standing up for human rights and social justice in Australia and globally. What is happening in Gaza is horrific and as a Student Union we believe that RUSU has a role in speaking up.”
To view RUSU’s full statement, click here.
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