Jewish Academics Sue University of Sydney Staff Over Gaza Posts

Jewish academics and students have filed two racial discrimination lawsuits against John Keane, a professor, and Nick Riemer, a senior lecturer, both at the University of Sydney. The plaintiffs allege that social media posts shared by the defendants between late 2023 and mid-2024 targeted Jewish people through references to the Gaza conflict, including an image of Hamas flags shared by Keane and a call by Riemer for students to attend a meeting on a global intifada.

During a preliminary hearing in the Federal Court, Justice Geoffrey Kennett questioned proposed amendments to the statements of claim. He expressed concern that broadening the claims could improperly expand the trial's scope, suggesting the proceedings might otherwise evolve into a royal commission into anti-Semitism.

Legal representatives for the plaintiffs argued that the amendments are necessary to demonstrate why the posts were offensive to Jewish Australians. Conversely, the defendants' counsel maintained that the posts were criticisms of Israel and Zionism rather than the Jewish people. Justice Kennett has reserved his decision on whether to allow the amended claims.