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ON CAMPUS
On the other side , the same story has been woven into a parallel narrative . On 3 August Guancha . cn , a popular nationalist tabloid in China , reported that students from UNSW “ politely voiced a boycott to the school ”, and compared this incident with UNSW ’ s welcome to international students in early July . The following day , the Communist Youth League of China published an article on its official WeChat account titled A seek of death ! The “ two faces ” of the University of New South Wales in Australia angering Chinese students . The article , which attracted more than 100,000 views ( the maximum number of views counted by WeChat ), opines that public opposition against the Chinese government on sensitive issues is undoubtedly a great insult to Chinese students , thus being extremely disrespectful to their feelings .
This nationalistic narrative emphasises the spontaneity of Chinese students , implying that their position is exactly the same as that of the CCP . This assumption seems to have been confirmed in a vote initiated by Australia Today , the largest Chinese platform in Australia . In this online vote called ‘ Do you support UNSW ’ s backing of “ Free Hong Kong ” movement ’, only 14 per cent of respondents chose yes , while 86 per cent expressed their objection . Although this is not a well-designed question , as UNSW repeatedly stated that the article only represents a view of the individual instead of the UNSW itself , such an interpretation undoubtedly reflects the students ’ perception in the matter .
Both parties benefit from these two sets of opposing narratives , Australian federal MPs demonstrated strong determination in defending the freedom of speech in Australia , while the Communist Party once again got the opportunity to publicise the sinister foreign enemies and arouse the patriotism of its people . While promoting the agenda of both sides , the problem remains unsolved .
Indeed , as the Minister of Education Dan Tehan states , “ freedom of speech is a pillar of our democracy ”, and can never be overemphasised . John Stuart Mill , one of the most famous defenders of freedom of speech , eloquently explained its instrumental value to society since the truth will emerge from the competition of ideas in free , transparent public discourse .
However , the protection of freedom of speech , as we can see on university campuses , is rather superficial . The two sets of narratives mentioned above run in their respective fields in parallel to obtain political capital without any productive contacts or dialogues . Chinese students , a major actor in these events , are either regarded as fund providers that must be pleased , or as troublemakers that are brainwashed by the CCP . Universities , on the front line of controversy , failed not only in defending their academic independence and dignity but also in maintaining a healthy , safe and free platform for the competition of ideas . It is certainly challenging .
As Elaine Pearson points out in her recent article , speech on sensitive political affairs may cause troubles for Chinese dissidents or their families . However , it is not an excuse for the university to not make any efforts in this regard . For example , instead of merely deleting the tweet , UNSW could have posted a rebuttal article from those who disagree and started a constructive conversation on the premise of protecting the students ’ identity . In doing so , it might have also saved itself from the current embarrassing damage control .
The current predicament of Australian universities is , to some extent , a microcosm of the dilemma facing Australia . Increasingly complex international relations indisputably require a firm defence of the values we cherish , but also more delicate and practical thinking through the lens of politics and policy . ■
Bingqing Yang is a recent graduate from the University of Melbourne , who majored in the Master of International Relations .
Professor Sally Walker will be conducting the review . Photo : News Limited
Review into academic freedom and freedom of academic expression announced
By Wade Zaglas
Universities Australia has welcomed a review into academic freedom and freedom of expression announced by education minister Dan Tehan .
Professor Sally Walker will conduct the review with the assistance of universities , focusing on their progress against former Chief Justice Robert French ’ s Model Code developed in 2019 .
“ Last year universities agreed to adopt , adapt or ensure the principles of the French Model Code were reflected in the broad suite of policies that cover freedom of speech and expression at universities ,” Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson said .
“ Universities have either finalised that process , or are part way through , and look forward to discussing progress with Professor Walker .
“ Freedom of expression and academic freedom are part of the DNA of Australian universities .”
Jackson said the importance of both freedom of expression and academic freedom to Australian universities was the reason why the proposed French model had been “ given careful attention ” by the higher education sector to ensure “ frameworks ” for both principles were robust .
Education minister Dan Tehan said that in carefully considering “ to adopt the model code ”, the development of “ regulations and policies by a university is a matter for each institution reflecting institutional autonomy ”.
“ Freedom of speech is a pillar of our democracy . Universities should be institutions that protect freedom of speech , debate and the challenge of ideas ,” he said . ■
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