The Herald Sun, 16 July 2026
Universities ‘hiding’ behind freedom of speech: Western Sydney University Chancellor
By Eliza Barr
From Herald Sun
Western Sydney University chancellor Jennifer Westacott AM claims too many universities hid behind “free speech” in allowing anti-Semitic behaviour to run rampant alongside campus protests against Israel.
Ms Westacott made the comments as part of WSU’s response and how it differed from other institutions in a submission to the Royal Commission into anti-Semitism, focused this week on anti-Semitism in the education system and on campuses.
She said too many universities had invoked free speech and academic freedom to “avoid taking action” against anti-Semitism, resulting in Jewish students and staff feeling “frightened, unsafe, and unsupported”.