Update on stance on conflict in Gaza.
Since the lawsuit against UMSU regarding our 2022 motion supporting Palestine and BDS was settled in March of this year, the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) has been able to re-engage with this critical issue. Following a comprehensive member consultation process, UMSU has today passed a motion regarding our stance on the conflict in Gaza:
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This means stopping the bombing, a permanent withdrawal of Israeli troops, an end to the 18-year long blockade, and reparations to be paid for the reconstruction of Gaza.
As a membership organisation representing all students at the University, UMSU is committed to ensuring that our positions on important issues align with our purposes and reflect the broad consensus of our membership. Feedback from this recent consultation overwhelmingly supported UMSU's draft motion. Importantly, 81% of respondents believed it is important or very important for UMSU to take a stance on this critical issue.
Our highest priority remains the safety and wellbeing of all students, and we continue to encourage respectful debate on these complex and emotive issues within our campus community. UMSU remains dedicated to advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, reflecting the broad consensus of our membership.
We will continue to engage with community organisations and relevant stakeholders to ensure our stance is informed, balanced, and sensitive to all perspectives. To further ensure our approach remains balanced and informed, we plan to seek the assistance of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, Jewish Council of Australia, the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN), and other community organisations to develop informed and separate stances on these matters in the near future.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation process — your input has been invaluable in guiding UMSU’s stance on this important issue.
Disha Zutshi
UMSU President