A prestigious university has launched an internal investigation after disturbing images emerged of pro-Palestinian students allegedly performing Nazi salutes and Hitler impersonations during a union meeting via Zoom.
The alleged greetings, which are illegal in public places, allegedly occurred in front of Jewish students at the students’ union annual general meeting at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra on Wednesday night.
One student was seen raising his arm twice in what appeared to be a Nazi salute.
Another student was filmed allegedly pretending to have a Hitler mustache.
Australian National University students allegedly watched Nazi-style salutes (pictured) during a Zoom meeting
The university’s vice-chancellor, former foreign secretary Julie Bishop, refused to answer questions asked by Sky News about the incident.
However, the ANU media team responded by saying that the incident will be investigated “in accordance with the university’s existing processes” and that “appropriate action will be taken as necessary.”
The Australian Federal Police told Sky News they were not aware of the incident, despite several students reportedly promising to report it to authorities.
Sky News presenter Sharri Markson said Jewish students have communicated their distress and anxiety.
Alleged harassment of students has increased in the wake of global protests on university campuses against the Israeli invasion of Gaza.
The ANU, like many universities around the world, has seen pro-Palestinian students pitch tents in ongoing protest against the Israeli invasion of Gaza.
The alleged Nazi salutes and Hitler impersonation took place as the meeting debated a motion that read: “Jewish students have the right to belong to the ANU community.”
The motion also called for the student union to condemn Hamas for the October 7 terrorist attacks against Israel and also for the “hate slogans and anti-Semitic hate speeches” chanted on campus.
The motion proposed that the students’ union support a two-state solution to end the conflict in the Middle East, but all points were rejected.
It is a criminal offense to perform the Nazi salute in a public place in Australia.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Australian Federal Police for comment.
ANU Chancellor Julie Bishop (pictured left) declined to comment on the incident when approached by Sky News.