A number of prominent authors and academics have withdrawn from the Bendigo Writers Festival over concerns about free speech in relation to Israel’s genocide in Gaza and expressions of solidarity with Palestinians.
Those who’ve pulled out say they’ve done so after being told to sign a code of conduct that would bar them from speaking about “divisive” topics and censor criticism of Israel.
Among the big names taking a stand are author and academic Randa Abdel-Fattah, journalist Jess Hill, Indigenous writer Evelyn Araluen, novelist Claire G Coleman, author Sonia Orchard, author Kate Mildenhall, author and speaker Dr Kirstin Ferguson, academic Kirsty Duncanson, and poet and activist Jeanine Leane.
Abdel-Fattah said she couldn’t appear at the festival “as a Palestinian” and that the code of conduct’s wording requires her to “engage in complete self-censorship”.
Abdel-Fattah’s new novel, Discipline, is centered around the story of a Palestinian author and journalist, looking at how voices are repressed and censored through the language of policy.
“At a time when journalists are being permanently silenced by Israel’s genocidal forces, it is incomprehensible that a writers’ festival should also seek to silence Palestinian voices,” she said.
In a joint statement on the matter, Hill, Orchard and Duncanson said that they’ve chosen “with heavy hearts” to withdraw from their session ‘Not On’ because they can’t “in good conscience attend an event that restricts free speech and makes it untenable for Palestinian colleagues/allies, as well as Jewish authors who oppose the genocide in Gaza, to attend”.
“We were to discuss ending violence against women and children- a vital conversation- but the Festival’s newly issued Code of Conduct has made our participation impossible,” they said.
“Our decision is in solidarity with Palestinian writers and allies who will understandably feel silenced by a Code requiring compliance with a contested definition of antisemitism- one that conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism.”
“We cannot speak about ending violence against women and children while the Festival’s host institution aligns with ideas that excuse large-scale violence against them.”
While the festival’s code of conduct reportedly covers broad issues of respect and inclusivity, it also says that because the event is sponsored by La Trobe University, panels must comply with the institution’s anti-racism plan, including the plan’s definition of antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Ahead of the three-day event, a spokesperson for Bendigo Writers Festival (BWF) told Crikey the festival “is committed to holding an event that engages in respectful debate, open minded discussion, and explores topical and complex issues.”
“The Festival and Presenting Partner, La Trobe University, felt it was necessary to emphasise the importance of safety and wellbeing for all participants by introducing a Code of Conduct.”
“Codes of Conduct are part of similar festivals and are a useful reference point to guide expectations for respectful discussion, particularly when exploring past and current challenging, distressing and traumatic world events.”
The BWF spokesperson said that the festival respects the decision of the participants choosing to withdraw over the Code of Conduct and that they are making changes to the festival program accordingly.