The University of Sydney Law School has published an open letter expressing serious concerns about the new Campus Access Policy 2024, which was introduced earlier this year as a replacement for the Campus Access Rule 2009.
The letter, signed by 54 academics to date, is addressed to Chancellor David Thodey, Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott, and the Academic Board. It highlights deep reservations about the policy's introduction process, its substance, the broader message it conveys, and the limited timeframe for its review.
The University formally rescinded the previous Campus Access Rule in July and replaced it with the 2024 version, a move that has sparked protests from student activists and drawn considerable criticism from the NSW Council for Civil Liberties.
One of the letter's main criticisms is the lack of transparency in the introduction of the new policy. The signatories argue that it is the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor to show how the new policy aligns with the University’s core mission, which includes fostering scholarship, research, and free inquiry. According to the letter, these principles are compromised by the new policy’s restrictions, which it claims unreasonably limit academic freedoms and freedom of speech on campus.
The letter also highlights procedural concerns, accusing the Vice-Chancellor of acting unfairly by bypassing consultation with elected representatives of the University community. It mentions several groups that should have been included in discussions, including the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), and the University of Sydney Union (USU).
In addition, the letter questions the CAP's compliance with the Charter of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom. According to the letter, the Campus Access Policy fails to meet the standard of "reasonable and proportionate" regulation of conduct, rendering it incompatible with the principles of free speech and academic freedom. The policy is also said to conflict with the University’s statutory obligations under the Higher Education Support Act 2003.
In response to the letter, a USyd spokesperson defended the policy, stating that it was updated to strike a balance between protecting free speech and maintaining a safe and welcoming campus environment.
The University has now confirmed that a formal review of the Campus Access Policy will be conducted before the end of the year, with further consultation expected before July 2025. Formal submissions to the review process will be invited, and the letter from the Law School will be treated as part of this process.
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