University of Sydney Students Rally to Abolish Residential Colleges Over Sexual Violence

🚨 The WoCo Rally on Campus

On February 20, 2026, during the bustling final day of Welcome Week at the University of Sydney, students gathered at the start of Eastern Avenue for a significant rally organized by the USyd Women's Collective, known as WoCo. This event drew attention to longstanding concerns about sexual violence and elitism within the university's residential colleges. Amid the sounds of nearby sports stalls and high foot traffic, speakers led chants like "Uni silence perpetuates violence" and "The students, united, will never be defeated," emphasizing the urgency of the issues during a time when new students are particularly vulnerable.

SRC Women's Officer Maxine McGrath chaired the proceedings, with contributions from SRC President Grace Street, Queer Action Collective representative Afroza Shruti, and others including Disability Officer Remy Lebreton and Ethnocultural Officers Imane Lattab and Pimala Leo. Grace Street highlighted how gender-based violence, sexual violence, and the housing crisis intersect, noting that residential colleges exemplify these problems by fostering elitist cultures. Speakers criticized the colleges for high fees—up to $50,000 per year—and practices like hazing that target marginalized groups, including women, queer students, disabled students, international students, and First Nations students.

The rally was not isolated; it built on WoCo's campaign since 2018, reignited by incidents like the 2024 tearing of the Red Zone Report by conservative students and expulsions at St Paul's College.

🎓 What Are Residential Colleges?

Residential colleges at the University of Sydney, such as St John's, St Paul's, Wesley, and St Andrew's, are affiliated but independently governed accommodations dating back over a century. They provide housing, academic support, and social activities for around 1,500 undergraduates, often selected through competitive processes favoring academic merit and leadership. These colleges offer a close-knit community experience, complete with meals, tutorials, and events, but their high costs and traditions have sparked debate.

While they contribute to campus life, critics argue they perpetuate exclusivity, with fees making them inaccessible to many, exacerbating Sydney's housing crisis where students often spend over 50% of income on rent. Proponents see them as vital for fostering lifelong networks, especially in a competitive job market for higher education graduates.

📜 A History of Concerns and Reports

Allegations of sexual violence and hazing in these colleges have persisted for decades. The pivotal 2018 Red Zone Report by End Rape on Campus Australia documented extensive cases across Australian universities, including USyd, with graphic examples of rituals during Orientation Week—known as the "Red Zone" for spiked incidents. The report, spanning 200 pages, called for federal investigations and highlighted how insular college cultures enable misogyny and bullying.Read the Red Zone Report

Prior, the 2017 Broderick Report urged cultural renewal after surveys showed one in four female college residents experienced harassment and one in 12 witnessed assaults. Historical hazing involved humiliation, sometimes sexualized, targeting first-years to enforce hierarchy. Nationally, the Australian Human Rights Commission's 2017 Change the Course report revealed 21,000 assaults yearly on campuses, prompting sector-wide reforms.

• High prevalence during O-Week due to alcohol-fueled events.
• Targeting of non-conforming students, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Institutional cover-ups alleged in early cases.

These revelations led to protests, policy changes, and scrutiny, positioning USyd colleges as symbols of broader higher education challenges.

🔍 Recent Developments and Statistics

In 2024, St Paul's College expelled six students and suspended 21 for "serious humiliation" involving sexual violence against a peer, underscoring ongoing issues. The same year, USyd Liberal students ripped up the Red Zone Report at an SRC meeting, fueling outrage and similar rallies. Posters in the Graffiti Tunnel detailed abuses at multiple colleges, prompting snap actions.

The University of Sydney's 2024 Annual Report on Sexual Misconduct recorded 231 reports (down from 246 in 2023), with 119 university-related: 22 sexual assaults and 95 harassments. Notably, 7 assaults and 3 harassments occurred in affiliated accommodations.University's 2024 Annual Report

Of 55 complaints, outcomes included substantiations leading to suspensions and expulsions, showing accountability efforts. Yet, students argue underreporting persists due to fear and trauma.Honi Soit coverage of the rally

🏛️ University Responses and Reforms

USyd has implemented robust measures post-2017 reports. All new students complete the Consent Matters module (28,528 in 2024), with workshops for leaders and residents. Policies ban sexual misconduct, enabling information sharing with colleges via strengthened agreements and Community of Practice meetings.

The 2024-2026 Strategic Actions plan targets 20% yearly reporting increases (post-100% rise), bystander training pilots, and peer programs in colleges. Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott affirmed zero tolerance, backing Red Zone recommendations and condemning mockery of survivors. New 2025 laws mandate national codes for gender-based violence prevention.

• Consent and Respect@Sydney education for 3,888 staff.
• Partnerships with Survivor Hub and hospitals.
• Transparency via annual reports to build trust.

Despite progress, protesters demand abolition, viewing reforms as insufficient against entrenched cultures.

🌐 Broader Context in Australian Higher Education

USyd's issues mirror national trends. The National Student Safety Survey shows persistent assaults, with colleges hotspots. Other universities faced similar scandals, leading to the 2024 Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence. Reforms include mandatory training and reporting, but challenges remain amid rising enrolments—Australia saw record 2026 starts.

For students, safety influences choices; parents and applicants weigh it against prestige. Linking to careers, safe environments boost wellbeing, aiding transitions to higher education jobs.

🎯 Student Perspectives and Demands

WoCo demands college abolition for affordable, safe housing at 25% income cap, ending self-governance, and mandatory training. Speakers like Remy Lebreton called colleges "rotten to the core," urging replacement amid femicide and poverty. Queer voices highlighted hazing against non-cishet norms, tying to elite perpetuation of violence in politics and business.

Balanced views note college benefits for some, but marginalized students feel excluded. Actionable advice: Report via SARO (Sexual Assault Reporting Options), access counseling, or join collectives for support.

💡 Pathways Forward and Solutions

Beyond abolition, solutions include trauma-informed cultures, diverse leadership, affordable on-campus options, and tech like anonymous apps. Universities can expand bystander intervention, audit rituals, and integrate safety into rankings. For students: Vet accommodations via Rate My Professor reviews or forums; seek university jobs with wellness focus.

• Enhance peer support in residences.
• Collaborate with NGOs like End Rape on Campus.
• Prioritize housing equity for low-SES students.

Positive change requires dialogue; USyd's profits could fund expansions. Explore career advice for Australian academics while advocating.

Photo by Andy Wang on Unsplash

In summary, the WoCo rally spotlights critical campus safety needs. Share experiences on Rate My Professor, pursue secure paths via higher ed jobs, or get guidance from higher ed career advice. Check university jobs or post openings at recruitment. Your voice matters in building safer universities.