216. Can a university that can't uphold free speech really be called a university?

Free speech is slipping away, becoming more of a distant hope. 

After numerous instances where free speech has come under political scrutiny, Adelaide University unexpectedly canceled a major event featuring UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, a human rights lawyer.

In July of the previous year, the Trump administration included Albanese on the US Treasury’s sanctions list. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized her, alleging she was involved in "lawfare” and engaging in "political and economic warfare” against US and Israeli interests.

He said that Albanese has spewed unabashed antisemitism, expressed support for terrorism, and shown open contempt for the United States, Israel, and the West. 

It was all rubbish. She speaks the truth that the US cannot digest.

The event was part of Constellations: Not Writers’ Week, the pop-up literary festival that emerged after the cancellation of Adelaide Writers Week.

The event was scheduled for March 5 at the university’s Elder Hall, but organizers said the university notified them that some requirements had not been met, leading to the booking being canceled.

It's truly sad that the 152-year-old institution is falling apart in fear. Can a university that can't uphold free speech really be called a university?

A new venue has been secured at Norwood Concert Hall to hold 650 in-person ticket holders, where Albanese will join via video link alongside other academics.

The organisers of the event – the Association for the Promotion of International Law (APIL) disputed the university’s claims, saying they worked with Elder Hall management for weeks before submitting a formal booking on 20 February.

Albanese has been outspoken in calling for an end to what she describes as the “genocide” that Israel is waging against Palestinians in Gaza.

However, I am more surprised reading a statement by Adelaide University published in newspapers today, which said it “prides itself on being a place where event attendees are welcomed and where the exchange of ideas can happen freely”.

It shows how much Australia fears Trump, like most countries around the world.

But can anyone deny placing their hand on their chest that they disagree with what Albanese is saying about Israel’s atrocities in Gaza?