Drew Pavlou to face a hearing over a series of satirical stunts, social media posts and criticisms of the vice-chancellor

This article is more than 5 months old

This article is more than 5 months old

The University of Queensland has taken disciplinary action against a prominent pro-Hong Kong student activist, who faces expulsion in relation to a series of satirical stunts, social media posts and criticisms of the vice-chancellor.

Drew Pavlou, a member of the UQ senate, was this week sent a series of misconduct allegations against him and told to attend a disciplinary board hearing, where a decision maker would have the ability to terminate his enrolment.

Pavlou said the claims he breached university policies mainly related to his activism. They include satirical social media posts, opposition to the university’s contract with the Confucius Institute, and comments critical of the vice-chancellor, Peter Høj.

Guardian Australia has reviewed a summary of the “misconduct” charges, which include claims his conduct was inappropriate and abusive, and that he damaged the reputation of the university. None suggest he has acted unlawfully.

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Last year, after helping to organise a protest in support of the Hong Kong independence movement, Pavlou was assaulted in the university grounds by a group of pro-China protesters who gatecrashed the event.

Pavlou subsequently sought a court order, similar to a restraining order, against the Chinese consul general in Brisbane, Xu Jie, who he claims endangered him by praising the “self-motivated patriotic behaviour” of the counter-protesters and, in effect, accusing Pavlou of “anti-China separatist activities”. That case is ongoing.

Xu is an adjunct professor at the university.

The university has a long history of fostering activists, including many of those who protested against the 1971 Springbok tour, and others who would become prominent political figures in Queensland.

In a statement on Pavlou, UQ said: “Universities reasonably expect that students comply with conduct policies and charters that reflect both the organisation’s values and community expectations.

“UQ’s disciplinary processes seek to address alleged contraventions of university policy – they do not seek to prevent students from expressing their views or to limit their right to freedom of speech.

“It would not be appropriate for the university to comment on the specifics of this disciplinary matter. However, the university rejects Mr Pavlou’s statement that the university’s process is an attempt to penalise him for airing his political beliefs.”