Lynch sent show-cause letter
The AJN can reveal that Associate Professor Jake Lynch has been sent a show-cause letter after an investigation by the University of Sydney (USYD) found that he may have engaged in conduct that breached its Codes of Conduct.
Lynch, five students, two contractors engaged by USYD and five members of the public were sent letters after an investigation into the March 11 pro-Palestinian protest at USYD during a talk by Colonel Richard Kemp.
“Following the lecture the University received 34 complaints from people who were present (including some who attended to protest), and 352 complaints from other staff, students and members of the public,” USYD said in a statement on Wednesday night.
During the protest, Jake Lynch, director of the university’s Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, was involved in an altercation with an elderly Jewish woman who, at one point, threw water at him.
The argument continued with Lynch filming her on his phone.
She tried to slap and kick him, prompting him to wave banknotes at her to emphasise his warning that he would sue her for assault.
“The University regards these possible breaches as serious matters. Accordingly, allegations detailing those breaches will be put to the staff, students and affiliates concerned and they will be provided with an opportunity to respond,” the USYD statement said.
“Appropriate courses of action will be determined after considering those responses. Any findings of misconduct may result in disciplinary action.”
USYD vice-chancellor Dr Michael Spence encouraged everyone to help move forward.
“Universities must remain places where disagreements are courteous and respectful, and those who protest must respect the academic freedom of others to their point of view,” Dr Spence said.
“We must remain an institution where discourse is civil, even if opinions are strongly held and strongly expressed.
“I encourage you to think about what you can do to ensure we remain true to that mission.”
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