***Media Release***
Deal brokered between University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor and hunger strike student
Prof. Caroline McMillen, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle has met with Mr Jawad Chafil, the former University of Newcastle student striking to be re-admitted to the University of Newcastle.
“We are pleased that Prof. McMillen has acknowledged Mr Chafil’s hunger strike and met with him to discuss ways forward. NUSA was shocked yesterday to see the Vice-Chancellor trying to cover-up Mr Chafil’s hunger strike by claiming he was ‘camping’ on campus,” said Heather Richards, NUSA President.
“The Vice-Chancellor asked that I complete my next course at Open University Australia, which starts on Monday. If I pass this course then she said come to my office and we’ll fix it up. This is because she has to be fair with the other students,” said Mr Chafil.
“I am pleased with this outcome and looking forward to eating. Thank you to all those who supported me during this week,” continued Mr Chafil.
The Vice-Chancellor met with Mr Chafil after an online petition was launched calling on the University to acknowledge that he was on hunger strike and not “camping” and after posters were placed all over campus informing staff of the truth.
“It is clear that public pressure pushed the Vice-Chancellor to talk to Mr Chafil. Thankfully this ordeal is over and Mr Chafil can eat and continue with his life. We call on the Vice-Chancellor to confirm that if he passes this course he will receive an offer to study from the University,” said Ms Richards.
Ms Richards continued, “We look forward to seeing him studying at the University in six months time”.
Media Contact: Heather Richards, NUSA President: (02) 4921 6006
