This petition is for University of Sydney Vice Chancellor Mark Scott, Provost Professor Jagose and all other University managers involved to reinstate Professor Manuel Graeber, President of the University of Sydney Association of Professors (USAP), who they unjustly dismissed after he made public interest disclosures to the ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) of alleged corrupt actions and misconduct by University management. 

The University’s management has not credibly addressed nor refuted the concerns Professor Graeber raised in his public interest disclosures. They must make fully clear their reasoning and justifications for dismissing Professor Graeber to the public. Otherwise, the public will have little basis for confidence in the executive management that it pays to administer this important public institution

Since this is not an isolated incident, this petition also calls on Government to conduct an open public inquiry into the background and circumstances of Professor Graeber's dismissal, and to further investigate similar instances of abuse and suppression of academic free speech by University of Sydney managers.  (For an example, see Section i.iii of Professor Zoellner's Parliamentary submission No. 96 on dentistry, and university management's formal response).

Freedom of speech and commitment to the truth are core academic values, without which the University's mission cannot be delivered. Professor Graeber is an eminent scholar in his field, recognised in the top 2% internationally.  His suspension and subsequent dismissal from employment comprise suppression of the truth and free speech in a way that undermines the core values and functions of the University. 

Has management become fundamentally unaccountable, not only to the University’s academics, but also to the public and students who fund the University? University of Sydney management must be seen to be made accountable again, consistent with its reputation as one of the world’s leading universities.