RMIT University Withdraws Disciplinary Action Against Student in Gaza Protest Case
RMIT University has officially dropped a misconduct case against fine arts student Gemma Seymour, who was facing potential suspension over a social media video accusing the institution of being "complicit in genocide" in Gaza. The decision comes after Guardian Australia revealed the disciplinary proceedings earlier this week, sparking widespread debate on academic freedom and protest rights.
Background of the Controversy
In August, Seymour recorded a video posted on the RMIT Students for Palestine's Instagram profile, calling for the shutdown of the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre at RMIT's Melbourne city campus. The video, filmed in a corridor of the centre, criticized the university's partnerships with weapons companies, including Boeing, which has been linked by Amnesty International to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that resulted in civilian casualties.
RMIT initially argued that the video publicly identified the location of the research centre—details not published online—thereby posing safety risks to the facility, staff, and students. The university cited potential breaches of its regulations and policies, pointing to concerns over unwanted attention, harassment, or threats.
University's Decision and Statement
In an email sent to Seymour on Wednesday afternoon, RMIT's student conduct team announced the withdrawal of the hearing scheduled for April 22, 2026. The email, viewed by Guardian Australia, stated that the case would not proceed further. When questioned about the reversal, an RMIT spokesperson provided a statement emphasizing the university's commitment to core values and policies.
"RMIT takes all matters relating to student conduct seriously and investigates each case in accordance with the University’s core values and policies," the spokesperson said. "Upon review of this case, the Student Conduct notice of hearing has been withdrawn. RMIT supports the exercise of freedom of speech, debate, and discourse among students that is lawful and free from any form of discrimination, and adheres with the University’s student policies."
Student's Response and Broader Implications
Gemma Seymour hailed the withdrawal as a significant victory for protest rights and academic freedom. "This proves that students and staff will not be intimidated by the university and we will continue to fight against RMIT’s militarism," she said. "Freedom of speech and protest is a right to be used especially at times when our universities are complicit in genocide."
The case has ignited discussions on the role of educational institutions in military supply chains, particularly amid the 2024 wave of university encampments across Australia demanding cuts to ties with weapons manufacturers and condemnation of Israel's war in Gaza. The Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aero Centre, an interdisciplinary research group, lists partners such as the Australian Defence Force, the US Department of Defense, and Boeing, highlighting the complex ethical considerations involved.
Safety Concerns and Anonymous Complaint
According to a student conduct report reviewed by Guardian Australia, RMIT received an anonymous external complaint about the video, prompting the initial investigation. The report detailed risks to security if research locations were disclosed on social media, underscoring the university's duty to protect its community. However, the decision to drop the case suggests a reevaluation of these concerns in light of free speech principles.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions between institutional security protocols and the rights of students to engage in lawful protest and criticism, especially on contentious global issues like the Gaza conflict.
