Jul 15, 2026 – 12.01pmThe University of Melbourne’s top executive has defended the institution’s decision to negotiate with pro-Palestine demonstrators to end a week-long occupation of a major building on campus, as he acknowledged a Jewish academic was subjected to escalating personal attacks before intruders entered his office.Interim vice chancellor Glyn Davis, a former secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, was the first vice chancellor to appear before the royal commission hearings this week, which are examining the extent of antisemitism on Australian campuses and the institutional response.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles