Disciplinary action against a University of Queensland student known for criticism of the Chinese government risks becoming a political headache for the university as Liberal MPs publicly warn against any actions that would jeopardise free speech.

Drew Pavlou, an outspoken activist on human rights issues and critic of UQ's strong ties to Beijing, faces a disciplinary hearing later this month and possible expulsion following complaints about his protest activities and comments on social media.

University of Queensland student Drew Pavlou. Credit:Attila Csaszar

The university has presented 11 allegations of misconduct against Mr Pavlou, 20, arguing his activities breached integrity and harassment policies and the student charter. The university said he harmed its reputation, engaged in intimidating and disrespectful conduct and disrupted normal staff operations.

While the 186-page document outlining the allegations is confidential, Mr Pavlou said they included social media comments about the Hong Kong protests where he identified himself as speaking "on behalf of the university" as an elected student representative on the UQ senate.