Chinese students in Melbourne universities have been targeted by Neo-Nazi group Antipodean Resistance, who plastered racist posters around the campuses.
The offensive posters were seen at Monash University and the University of Melbourne – pictures of which were posted in a student Facebook group.
Written in grammatically poor Mandarin, the posters said that Chinese students were banned from the campus and threatened them with prosecution or deportation.
Both universities have had the posters removed and have handed CCTV footage over to the police.
“When I was walking to my tute this morning, I saw three girls reading these posters, pointing at them and yelling,” a student wrote.
“They seemed really distressed, what do the posters say?”
“Attention! Chinese people are forbidden to enter this place, if [they] break the rules [they] will possibly be faced with prosecution as well as deportation,” another student translated on Facebook.
A url for neo-Nazi group Antipodean Resistance was found on the back of the flyers. The group also claimed responsibility for the posters via their Twitter account.
“Nonwhites get PRANKED, told that Chinese are not allowed in two universities, report to the office or be deported,” their account posted alongside pictures of the flyers.
Antipodean Resistance had reportedly previously posted flyers celebrating Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust.
The posters also sported logos from the student unions of both universities – both of which were outraged.
Monash Student Association Clayton president Matilda Grey said she was “appalled” by the posters, denying any involvement of the union.
“We don’t stand for it at all and we would never have authorised or condoned this and we extend our solidarity and support to all Chinese students on campus.”
A spokesman from Monash University deplored the posters. “The University finds this material and associated behaviour reprehensible”
“This disgusting behaviour has occurred before at other Australian universities and the community is sick of it… It is disappointing that what is a very small, cowardly group of idiots is trying to tarnish Australia’s reputation.”
“While the posters were in a small area of the campus and we removed them quickly, as a University, we stand with our students, staff and the community in condemning this kind of thing.”
“It has no place at our University or in the community.”
A spokesman for Melbourne University said there was no evidence that the posters were produced by anyone associated with the school. “These flyers were not produced – or condoned by – the University of Melbourne.”
“Security staff removed the flyers and informed Victoria Police. The University also shared with police copies of the flyers and images from CCTV.”
“The University does not tolerate activities of hatred and intolerance. We are committed to maintaining and strengthening a vibrant, inclusive and respectful campus community in which diversity is recognised, valued and celebrated.”
The CSSA also denied any involvement. “We would like to make it clear that posters distributed around the school containing these racist and malicious contents do not in any way represent the position of the CSSA and we strongly condemn the behaviour of the one who has performed this act.”
A police spokesman said, “Victoria Police is aware of these posters and has been in discussions with the University. We will not comment on the posters content so not to draw attention to the cause.”
