Australian university head apologizes for failing to protect Jews

The Australian National University (ANU) interim Vice Chancellor, Rebekah Brown, issued a formal apology for the university's failure to protect Jewish students and staff from psychosocial harm during pro-Palestinian encampments from April to August 2024. Appearing before the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, Brown acknowledged that Jewish community members on the Canberra campus faced targeted harassment, including being called "baby killers" and "genocide supporters." She admitted the university did not adequately respond despite an internal risk assessment identifying a high risk of harm. Brown stated, "I'm sorry that they didn't and I've committed in my role, as long as I am the interim vice chancellor, to do better." The inquiry also heard testimony from Monash University regarding a hostile campus climate where Jewish students avoided campus due to severe abuse.