RMIT Student Faces Potential Suspension Over Gaza Protest Video
An RMIT University student is confronting serious disciplinary proceedings after posting a social media video that accuses the institution of being "complicit in genocide" in Gaza due to its research center's connections with weapons manufacturers. Gemma Seymour, a fine arts student, is scheduled to appear before a student conduct hearing on April 22nd regarding allegations of misconduct.
The Controversial Video and Its Content
The video was uploaded to the RMIT Students for Palestine Instagram account in August. In the footage, Seymour stands outside the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre at RMIT's Melbourne city campus. She directly addresses the university, stating: "No more excuses RMIT. There is blood on your hands and we will not rest until you cut ties with all weapons companies."
The accompanying caption declared: "The Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace centre should be shut down. Our university should not be complicit in genocide." A still cover image showed Seymour making a middle finger gesture toward the center's signage, which RMIT later described as a "universal symbol indicating disrespect" that viewers could reasonably find offensive.
University's Safety and Security Concerns
In a student conduct report obtained by Guardian Australia, RMIT expressed significant concerns about the video publicly identifying the location of its defense research center, which is not published online. The university argued this disclosure risks the safety and security of the facility, staff, and students.
The report stated: "While the Student's right to engage in world affairs is not in question, the University holds significant concern regarding the way in which the Student has done so, as we believe this may compromise safety, security, and teaching and learning activities."
RMIT further warned that the social media post could compromise the integrity of "sensitive research areas," increase stress and anxiety among students, and heighten the risk of unauthorized access. The university received an anonymous external report about the video, prompting the misconduct investigation.
Student's Defense and Broader Context
Seymour countered that RMIT is a public institution with clearly signposted facilities, arguing: "The last I checked you didn't need to check if a sign was actually a secret sign before you pointed someone in a direction somewhere." She accused the university of attempting to suppress discussions about its research partnerships with weapons manufacturers.
"I think it's a problem that RMIT would take more issue with a student standing under a sign, talking about the weapons companies it partners with, rather than the fact that the weapons companies it partners with are essential in facilitating war and genocide," Seymour stated.
She warned that potential suspension would create "a chilling effect on the capacity for staff and students to criticise the university and engage in political activism, which is ... a basic part of freedom of speech."
Research Center Partnerships and Global Protests
The Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre focuses on interdisciplinary research for Australia's defense and aerospace sectors. Its partners include the Australian Defence Forces, the US Department of Defence, and Boeing. Amnesty International has documented that weapons manufactured by Boeing were used in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that resulted in civilian casualties, including children.
This case emerges amid broader student activism across Australian universities. In 2024, pro-Palestine encampments swept through campuses nationwide, demanding institutions sever ties with weapons manufacturers and condemn Israel's military actions in Gaza. A United Nations commission of inquiry has characterized the conflict as genocide.
The hostilities began with Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel's subsequent military invasion of Gaza has resulted in an estimated 75,000 Palestinian deaths according to various reports.
University's Official Stance and Potential Consequences
An RMIT spokesperson declined to comment on the specific case but emphasized that all students must adhere to behavioral expectations and conduct requirements. "Our policies provide the basis for addressing actions or behaviour that adversely impact other members of our community," the spokesperson stated. "Behaviours that breach our policies will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action being taken."
Under RMIT's student conduct regulations, penalties for misconduct findings can include suspension of enrollment for up to one academic semester. The university maintains that while student activism is permitted, it must not compromise campus safety or research security.
