A University of Melbourne law professor who faced termination after a controversial email was leaked has reached a confidential settlement with the institution, ending a high-profile legal dispute.
Leaked Email Sparks Controversy and Legal Action
Dr Eric Descheemaeker, a professor at Melbourne Law School (MLS), became the centre of a major controversy in 2023. An email he sent to the then-dean was leaked and subsequently posted around the university's Parkville campus. In the correspondence, Descheemaeker claimed the prestigious law school was transforming into an 'ideological re-education camp'.
He further contended that "'Blak' activists" were aiming to lead the faculty to "destruction". The email was a response to the announcement of a cultural safety review at the university, which was commissioned the same year Indigenous academic Dr Eddie Cubillo resigned from his senior role at MLS, citing institutional racism.
University's Attempted Dismissal and Professor's Legal Claim
Following the leak, the University of Melbourne moved to dismiss Descheemaeker. In response, the professor launched legal proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, alleging discrimination. He claimed the university's adverse action – his suspension and attempted sacking in July – was due to his political opinion, which he argued was protected under the institution's academic freedom of expression policy.
His barrister, Dimitri Ternovski, argued in a September hearing that the email's "colourful language" was a critique of identity politics in the curriculum and was intended as a private communication for the dean. The university's barrister, Marc Felman KC, described the discrimination case as "hopeless" and argued there was no prima facie evidence of unlawful action.
Confidential Settlement Reached
The case, which was scheduled for trial, has now been settled out of court. Sources confirmed to Guardian Australia that the legal dispute was resolved, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks. Official court records show the matter was finalised and dismissed with the consent of both parties in November.
A spokesperson for the University of Melbourne confirmed the court had dismissed the proceedings but stated, "The University cannot make any further comment at this time." The institution did not respond to questions regarding the settlement's details or Descheemaeker's current employment status.
The resolution brings an end to a contentious chapter that highlighted deep tensions within academic institutions over curriculum, cultural safety, and the limits of academic freedom and political expression.
