On Monday 18 August, white supremacists were seen on campus defacing locations such as the BIPOC Base with neo-Nazi stickers. One of these stickers included a logo of four inwards pointing arrows, and the other a stylised Celtic cross, symbols commonly used by neo-Nazis. In South Australia, a leader of Australia’s largest known neo-Nazi group has been charged for using similar symbols.
The BIPOC department released a statement on social media condemning the stickers, which specifically targeted Pro Palestine posters, the recently renamed Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre, and BIPOC Base signage.
The statement reads:
“The department condemns such an disgustingly racist attack on our marginalised students. These stickers come from a far right nationwide neo-nazi terrorist organisation who have no home at our university.”
The ANU Security team has removed the offending materials and alerted ACT Police. In a statement, an ANU spokesperson told Woroni, “Our University should be a safe space for everyone, no matter their background, creed, race or gender. We were dismayed and disgusted to see this material. We take racist slurs and language very seriously and there is no place at ANU for this sort of vile hate.”
Aunty Anne Martin, the Director of the Tjabal Centre, told Woroni:
“ANU needs to be a safe place for all students and staff. This material is not reflective of the ANU community, and it is deeply disappointing that an individual can wander around our campus propagating hate. We have the capacity to deal with this and ensure that all of our vulnerable young people are supported – not just now but into the future.”
This incident succeeds an increase in activity from neo-Nazi groups across Australia. Woroni urges students to stay safe and be careful.
A motion against this racially motivated attack will be brought to the next Student Representative Council meeting by the BIPOC Officer Aleesya Amirizal.
If you feel unsafe on campus or see anyone putting up stickers, contact UniSafe immediately on (02) 6125 2249.
Editor’s Note: Neo-Nazi stickers sometimes have razor blades hidden under them in an attempt to cut anyone attempting to take them down. If you see any on campus, use caution if you attempt to remove them or report them to UniSafe at the number found above. If you see something, say something.
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Need Support?
ANU Student Safety and Wellbeing – (02) 6125 2211 ANU Counselling – (02) 6125 2442 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732 University Security (UniSafe) – (02) 6125 2249 BIPOC Department – sa.bipoc@anu.edu.au ANU Harmful Disclosures Tool – https://anu-advocate.symplicity.com/sash_report/index.php
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