New Sydney Uni chancellor weighs in on Mark Scott controversy after months of turmoil

New Sydney University chancellor David Thodey says he’s committed to working with vice chancellor Mark Scott, who has faced intense political pressure and calls for his resignation following controversial protests on campus.

In his inaugural address on Monday night after beginning his role in July, Thodey said he was “fully committed” to working with Scott, saying the sector faced unprecedented scrutiny in politics and the media.

“We have seen the unacceptable rise of antisemitism on our campuses and in our society – and the recent launch of the federal Senate inquiry into antisemitism on university campuses,” he said.

“And the [university] Senate and I are fully committed to actively working with our vice chancellor, Mark Scott, to ensure that our university environment is free from any form of discrimination.”

Thodey said the university must, and will, do more to ensure the campus was free from any form of discrimination, while maintaining its commitment to academic freedom.

Scott has faced strong criticism from some Jewish groups, and calls for his resignation from Liberal politicians and the Australasian Union of Jewish Students for his response to the pro-Palestinian encampment and management of allegations of antisemitism.

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Last month, Scott apologised to Jewish students and admitted that he “failed them” in the university’s handling of the protests.

Separately, a group of professors called for his resignation, saying the university needed new management to restore trust and a commitment to academic excellence, staff wellbeing and student success.