University of Technology Sydney told to apologise to Jewish students

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 02:32 · Archive

The University of Technology Sydney has been ordered by the National Student Ombudsman to make multiple apologies over its handling of campus events.

The University of Technology Sydney has been ordered by Australia's National Student Ombudsman to make multiple apologies over its handling of campus events involving Jewish and pro-Palestine student groups. The ombudsman's report, released on Tuesday and titled 'Procedurally unfair', makes seven recommendations against the university. These include an apology to the Australasian Union of Jewish Students for the way they were incorrectly referred to in an external review, and an apology to students who complained about a pro-Palestine event. The ombudsman has ruled the university 'alienated Jewish students'.

The issues stem from events beginning in March 2025 at UTS's city campus. The Jewish student group applied to hold an 'open table discussion' meeting about the impacts of the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks, with proposed guest speakers including Israeli Defence Forces reservists. Two weeks later, a National Day of Action for Palestine 'Stop the Genocide' event was held. Jewish students counter-protesting at that event complained they had been singled out based on their identity, which 'placed them at risk of physical harm'.

The university accepts six of the seven ombudsman recommendations. A UTS spokesperson said that in the 13 months since the external review report was delivered, the university had 'taken steps' to address its recommendations and did not intend to take any further action. The original report has been pulled from the university website.

How it is being reported

• University of Technology Sydney told to apologise to Jewish studentsA top Australian university accepted findings that it wrongly criticised a Jewish student group and has been ordered to make several apologies.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 02:14
• University of Technology Sydney told to apologise to Jewish studentsA top Australian university accepted findings that it wrongly criticised a Jewish student group and has been ordered to make several apologies.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 01:09

In this story: University of Technology Sydney · Australasian Union of Jewish Students · National Student Ombudsman

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