RMIT Withdraws Misconduct Case Against Student Over Gaza Genocide Accusation
RMIT University has withdrawn a misconduct case against a student who accused the university of being “complicit in genocide” due to its defence and aerospace research centre’s connections with weapons companies.
This development follows a report by Australia revealing that Gemma Seymour, a fine arts student, was facing possible suspension over a social media video in which she criticized RMIT’s ties to weapons manufacturers.
RMIT had contended that the video, recorded in a corridor of the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre, publicly disclosed the location of the facility, which is not published online, thereby posing a risk to the safety of its staff, students, and the facility itself.
However, in an email sent to Seymour on Wednesday afternoon, the university’s student conduct team informed her that the case had been dropped.
“We want to inform you that, upon review, the Senior Officer’s Student Conduct notice of hearing scheduled for 22 April 2026 is to be withdrawn and will not be proceeding,” the email, viewed by Australia, stated.
Seymour described the withdrawal as a
“win for the right to criticise war and genocide and the role our institutions play in the military supply chain.”She added,
“This proves that students and staff will not be intimidated by the university and we will continue to fight against RMIT’s militarism.”Seymour emphasized the importance of freedom of speech and protest, especially when universities are implicated in acts of genocide.
When asked for comment on the decision to drop the case, an RMIT spokesperson provided the following statement:
“RMIT takes all matters relating to student conduct seriously and investigates each case in accordance with the University’s core values and policies. Upon review of this case, the Student Conduct notice of hearing has been withdrawn. RMIT supports the exercise of freedom of speech, debate and discourse among students that is lawful and free from any form of discrimination, and adheres with the University’s student policies.”
Details of the Video and University’s Concerns
The video in question was posted in August on the Instagram profile of RMIT Students for Palestine. In it, Seymour is seen standing outside the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre located at RMIT’s city campus.
“No more excuses RMIT. There is blood on your hands and we will not rest until you cut ties with all weapons companies,” Seymour declared in the video.
The caption accompanying the video stated:
“The Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace centre should be shut down. Our university should not be complicit in genocide.”
According to a student conduct report sent to Seymour and reviewed by Australia, RMIT expressed concerns that publicly posting the location of its research facilities on social media could jeopardize the safety and security of staff.
The report indicated that Seymour’s actions might have breached university regulations, policies, procedures, and rules by engaging in behaviour or actions that
“constitute misconduct.”It also highlighted the potential for unwanted attention, harassment, or threats directed at RMIT’s research facilities, staff, and students.
The report noted that RMIT had received an anonymous complaint from an external individual regarding the video.
About the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre
The Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre is an interdisciplinary research group focused on Australia’s defence and aerospace sectors. Its partners and collaborators include the Australian Defence Forces, the US Department of Defence, and Boeing.
Amnesty International has reported that weapons manufactured by Boeing were used in Israeli airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties in Gaza, including children.
Context: University Protests Against Military Ties
In 2024, a series of encampments at universities across Australia called for the tertiary education sector to sever ties with weapons manufacturers and to condemn Israel’s war in Gaza.
