Drew Pavlou

Drew Pavlou is an Australian activist, philosophy student and senate member at The University of Queensland.[1] In July 2019, Pavlou became known for his organisation of pro-democracy demonstrations in support of Hong Kong.[2] He is currently appealing a two-year suspension decision made by the university, over allegations of discriminatory bullying and harassment of university staff and students.[3] Pavlou claims that the allegations are linked to his activism over the university's reliance on Chinese students tuition fees.

Drew Pavlou
Born (1999-06-04) 4 June 1999
Brisbane, Australia
NationalityAustralian
EducationUniversity of Queensland
Villanova College
Known for
  • Student activism
  • Criticism of the Chinese Communist Party and Influence in Australian Academia
Websitedrewpavlou.com

Pavlov completed his secondary education at Villanova College.[4]

2019 University of Queensland Pro-Hong Kong rally

In July 2019, during the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests, Pavlou organised a rally at the University of Queensland in support of the protesters in Hong Kong. Pavlou was assaulted when pro-Chinese Communist Party demonstrators interrupted the peaceful protest and snatched a loudspeaker out of his hand, throwing it to the ground.[5] In fact, Pavlou asserts he was assaulted twice during the clash.[6] It was alleged that Pavlou used an offensive word to describe business and finance students, suggesting they had no views beyond those of their wealthy parents.[7]

The day after the rally, Xu Jie, the Brisbane-based Consul-General of the People's Republic of China, praised the counter-protest by pro-Chinese government protesters and accused those involved in the rally of "anti-China separatist activities". Pavlou was named as a key organiser of the rally in the Chinese state-owned tabloid, the Global Times, which called him an "anti-China rioter".[8] In October 2019, Pavlou made an application under Queensland’s Peace and Good Behaviour Act against Xu Jie asking for a retraction and an apology.[6]

2020 disciplinary proceedings

In April 2020 disciplinary proceedings were brought by the University of Queensland against Pavlou. The proceedings were based on charges of misconduct, including that his behaviour was "inappropriate and abusive" and that he harmed the reputation of the university with his activism. One complainant alleged that Pavlou labelled the university’s Confucius Institute a "coronavirus biohazard zone", and posed in a biohazard suit outside the Confucius institute,[2] as a stunt during the COVID-19 pandemic period.[9] The board under which the proceedings will take place has the power to expel Pavlou based on the charges. Pavlou claims that the real motive behind these proceedings was retaliation for his political activism.[10]

Global Times, a tabloid run by the Chinese Communist Party's People's Daily, has claimed that students at the university support his expulsion.[11] According to The Sydney Morning Herald, a petition of support for Pavlou has received more than 38,000 signatures.[8]

In May 2020, Pavlou walked out of the disciplinary hearing, being held behind closed doors, claiming that he was not receiving a fair hearing. His legal team claimed that they have not been given access to important documents.[12][13]

The incumbent University of Queensland Chancellor, Peter Varghese AO, publicly and almost immediately condemned "aspects of the findings and the severity of the penalty" handed down by the disciplinary panel.[14]

Pavlou has indicated that, if expelled, he intends to initiate court proceedings.[2] On 26 May 2020, Pavlou was suspended for two years from the university.[3] He remains a student and senate member pending the outcome of an appeal.

References
  1. "Composition of 34th Senate (2018-2021)". UQ Senate. University of Queensland. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  2. Patrick, Aaron (26 May 2020). "University risks making Drew Pavlou a free speech martyr". Financial Review. Archived from the original on 27 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  3. "Drew Pavlou suspended by University of Queensland over pro-Hong Kong protest". The Australian. 29 May 2020. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  4. "The boy who kicked the hornet's nest". The Australian. 30 May 2020.
  5. Roberts, George; Richardson, Holly (20 May 2020). "University of Queensland holds hearing behind closed doors to consider expulsion of student involved in China protest actions". ABC. Archived from the original on 20 May 2020. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  6. Doherty, Ben (23 October 2019). "Queensland student sues Chinese consul general, alleging he incited death threats". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 23 October 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  7. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-06/uq-senate-opts-against-intervening-in-drew-pavlou-ban/12326892
  8. Garcia, Jocelyn (25 April 2020). "Student-activist warns of 'chilling effect' after China's patriotic media singles him out". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  9. Smee, Ben (25 May 2020). "Lawyers for student Drew Pavlou demand University of Queensland sack Chinese diplomat from role". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 27 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  10. Ben, Smee (16 April 2020). "University of Queensland takes disciplinary action against pro-Hong Kong student activist". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 22 April 2020. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  11. "Australian university students support anti-China rioter expulsion – Global Times". Global Times. Archived from the original on 8 May 2020. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  12. Armbruster, Stefan (20 May 2020). "Student activist walks out of University of Queensland disciplinary hearing claiming China influence". SBS News. Archived from the original on 20 May 2020. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  13. Roberts, George; Richardson, Holly (21 May 2020). "University of Queensland holds hearing behind closed doors to consider expulsion of student involved in China protest actions". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 20 May 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  14. "Comment by UQ Chancellor Peter Varghese regarding two year suspension of a student". The University of Queensland. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
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