Grace Tame reportedly removed from Conservatorium High consent program after ‘globalise the intifada’ chant
Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame has reportedly been removed from a consent education program at one of the country’s most prestigious selective schools after chanting a controversial slogan at a pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney.
Ms Tame had taken part in Consent and Healthy Relationships classes for Year 9 and 10 students at Conservatorium High School, a specialist state school for talented musicians located near the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Sydney Opera House.
His appearance on the program was reportedly removed following backlash following comments he made during a February 9 rally at Sydney City Hall to protest Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s four-day state visit, according to the Daily Mail.
Mr Herzog was invited by Governor-General Sam Mostyn to meet the families of the victims and attend commemorative events following the bondi beach terror attack.
Protests over his visit escalated after organizers defied a court order banning the march, risking arrest under special police powers introduced by the NSW Government following the December 14 terror attack.
Ms. Tame led the chant “From Gadigal to Gaza, globalize the Intifada” from the steps of City Hall, a slogan echoed by thousands of demonstrators waving Palestinian flags.
Gadigal is the Aboriginal name for Sydney, while the intifada refers to the Palestinian uprising against Israel. The slogan “Globalize the intifada” is seen as a call to violence.
NSW is considering following Queensland’s lead in banning chants used to threaten, harass or offend as hate speech.
Petitions have since been launched to strip Ms Tame of her 2021 Australian of the Year title, garnering more than 27,000 signatures.
Ms Tame responded on Instagram: “This isn’t the first time I’ve been made the bad guy for speaking out,” and “I refuse to remain silent.”
He has previously described his activism as a “quest for justice” and labeled Mr. Herzog an alleged genocidal and war criminal.
Ms Tame rose to national prominence with her campaign for legal reform for sexual assault survivors in Tasmania, appearing publicly alongside Brittany Higgins.
Her consent education work at the Conservatorium school included presentations with Saxon Mullins and Chanel Contos, both leading advocates for sexual violence law reform.
Nightly has contacted the school for comment.
