Writers Boycott Festival Over ‘Censorship’ of Gaza War Views: “I Can’t Appear as a Palestinian”
Writers Withdraw From Bendigo Festival, Claim ‘Complete Self-Censorship’ Over Gaza War
Multiple prominent authors and academics have pulled out of this weekend’s Bendigo Writers Festival over a speaker code of conduct they say silences discussion of Israel’s war in Gaza, with one academic claiming it requires “complete self-censorship.”
The controversy centers on a code circulated just two days before the event, which some say limits their ability to speak openly on issues they deeply care about — especially the war in Gaza and Palestinian identity.
Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah: “I Cannot Appear as a Palestinian”
Among the first to withdraw was Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah, a respected academic and author, who said the speaker guidelines made it impossible for her to attend the festival “as a Palestinian.”
She described the code and related policies as requiring her to censor her identity and voice, calling the experience a “profound act of gaslighting.”
Abdel-Fattah is a well-known advocate for Palestinian rights and has been vocal in her criticism of censorship surrounding discussion of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Her withdrawal sent a clear message and sparked a wider conversation about freedom of speech in literary and academic circles.
More Writers Join the Boycott
Following Abdel-Fattah’s decision, other high-profile voices also pulled out of the festival, including:
- Dr Evelyn Araluen, First Nations poet
- Jeanine Leane, acclaimed Wiradjuri poet and writer
- Professor Clare Wright, guest curator and academic from La Trobe University (reportedly for personal and professional reasons, which include the code)
Author Kate Mildenhall, scheduled to moderate a session at the festival, said she wasn’t initially sent the code of conduct, but after becoming aware of it, she chose to withdraw.
“In solidarity with the other writers who are withdrawing, and also because of my own personal beliefs about the ideas of censorship, I felt I was unable to continue with my participation in the writers festival,” she said.
What the Speaker Code Says
The Bendigo Writers Festival code of conduct, obtained by Guardian Australia, encourages speakers to engage respectfully and avoid “language or topics that could be considered inflammatory, divisive, or disrespectful.”
More controversially, for sessions listed under “La Trobe Presents”, participants must adhere to La Trobe University’s Anti-Racism Plan, including its definitions of antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Critics argue that such definitions are too broad or vague, potentially restricting speakers from criticising the Israeli government or expressing solidarity with Palestinians without fear of being labelled antisemitic.
Backlash Over Timing and Transparency
The code was reportedly sent to some speakers on Wednesday, just two days before the festival’s opening — a timing that added to the backlash. Several participants expressed frustration over the late notice, saying it left no time for questions, clarification, or proper dialogue.
Some writers and attendees said they were unaware of the code entirely until the issue became public, raising concerns about transparency in how the policy was communicated.
A Clash Between Free Expression and Institutional Policy
This incident has sparked renewed debate over how literary festivals balance freedom of speech with institutional responsibilities, particularly when partnered with academic institutions like La Trobe University.
While organizers may aim to create respectful and inclusive spaces, critics warn that overly broad codes can be used to silence difficult political conversations, especially around topics like Palestine, Israel, and the war in Gaza.
Growing Tension in the Arts Over Gaza
The Bendigo Writers Festival isn’t the first event to face scrutiny over Gaza-related censorship. Across the arts and academic sectors globally, debates around who gets to speak, and how, have become flashpoints since the war began.
In this case, the withdrawal of prominent authors, especially those from First Nations and Palestinian backgrounds, underscores the tension between institutional policies and lived political and cultural identities.
