Dr Eric Descheemaeker, a law professor at the University of Melbourne, is suing the institution for discrimination, alleging he was suspended because of his political opinion. The legal action follows the leak of a 2023 email in which he criticised Indigenous activists, claiming they were leading the university to 'destruction'.
Court documents reveal Descheemaeker argues the university breached section 351 of the Fair Work Act by suspending him due to his political opinion. He also claims the university will terminate his employment unless restrained. The federal circuit and family court heard the university would not take adverse action until his injunction application is determined.
The leaked email, sent to the then head of Melbourne Law School (MLS) in August 2023, was in response to an Indigenous cultural safety review. Descheemaeker likened the law school to an 'ideological re-education camp' and wrote that there was 'absolutely no end to where ‘Blak’ activists are meaning to take us – except destruction'.
The university declined to comment on the employment matter, citing privacy. Dean of MLS, Professor Michelle Foster, previously stated her commitment to cultural safety and diversity. The interlocutory application is set to be heard on 9 September.
