Another of the recommendations advises “the University prohibit any student from addressing those present in a lecture, seminar or tutorial prior to the commencement of the lecture, seminar or tutorial on any subject matter. A breach of the prohibition may be considered misconduct.”
It also recommended: “The University should approach both the NSW Police and the Federal Police with a view to entering into with them formal protocols which set out how they can assist the University if the need arises” and that “attaching banners to the footbridges be prohibited”.
David Brophy, a senior history lecturer at the University of Sydney, said the review’s proposals banned “basic forms of political expression on campus”.
He said the new civility rule caused particular concern, appearing “utterly bizarre and unworkable”.
“Are academics really expected to explain the context of every word and phrase they use?” he said. “A vague rule like this will most likely be wielded selectively against those who speak up for Palestine.” see
Thanks for clearing up what this meant.
Yeah some of these groups figure out pretty quickly that lectures theatres, being packed full of students make for a great opportunity to spruik your group/event. Unfortunately they would also figure out that first year subjects also had fuller theatres and would often have friendlier/more agreeable lecturers. This was disruptive and delayed lecture before these sort of groups decided it was appropriate to yell out during other people speaking and interrupt others events. I’m surprised it’s taken this long to address.