Arabic version: جامعة أديلايد تواجه ردود فعل سلبية بسبب إلغاء حدث

Adelaide University has come under fire for reneging on hosting a panel discussion event that was part of the replacement Adelaide Writers’ Week. The event, titled “Settler Colonialism: What It Can Tell Us About the Conflict in Israel/Palestine,” was scheduled to take place at Elder Hall but was forced to relocate to Norwood Concert Hall after the university withdrew its support.

According to ABC News, the university claimed it was only made aware of the event last week and could not accept the booking due to a lack of adherence to the necessary review and approval process. The university cited “health and safety” concerns as a reason for its decision, which has been met with criticism from event organizers and participants.

The panel discussion will feature Francesca Albanese, a United Nations special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, speaking via video link, alongside historian Henry Reynolds and academic Lana Tatour. Moderator Chris Sidoti expressed disappointment over the university’s decision, stating it reflects poorly on the institution’s role in facilitating important discussions.

The university’s spokesperson explained that the booking did not go through the required policy and procedure, leaving them unable to support the event adequately. They also suggested an alternative venue, the National Wine Centre, but at a significantly higher cost of $23,500 compared to the $750 fee for Elder Hall.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young criticized the university’s handling of the situation, calling for an explanation for the cancellation of a booking that involved a prominent expert in international law and human rights. The controversy follows the recent cancellation of the broader Adelaide Writers’ Week, which faced backlash after Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah was uninvited from the event, leading to the formation of the alternative panel discussion.