Statement on Jason Wong

As rank and file members of the National Tertiary Education in Victoria we express our strong support for high-school teacher Jason Wong and other teachers who speak out against Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. As workers, we often work side-by-side with teachers and share their commitment to social justice and human rights.

Jason is not only a passionate science teacher, but a longstanding anti-racist who has been involved in campaigning for the rights of refugees, migrants, international students, as well as against anti-semitism and fascism. Jason is currently being investigated for misconduct by the Victorian Department of Education because of his pro-Palestine activism. Zionists are trying to get Jason sacked by using a clipped quote from a speech he gave at a Palestine protest as part of a disgraceful smear campaign.

In his full speech, Jason pointed out the historical and political context for Hamas's actions on October 7 - the fact that Israel has for decades ignored UN resolutions on Gaza and has maintained what has been described as the world's biggest open air prison. The events of October 7 did not occur in a vacuum.

Since 2022, prominent academics and human rights organisations around the world, including Amnesty International and the UN, have described Israel as an apartheid state. In a historic decision in January this year, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) determined that there is a plausible case that Israel is committing genocide.

It is Jason’s deep dedication to the values of Responsiveness, Integrity, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights and his commitment to ensuring that all students in his classroom are treated fairly, regardless of their religion or place of birth, which compelled him to speak out publicly against the atrocities committed by Israel. 

If only Education Minister Ben Carroll was as committed to these values; values which Victorian state school teachers are expected to uphold.

Instead, Ben Carroll has shown he is on the side of Israel’s terror and kowtowing to a small group of Zionists.

As union members, we are appalled that a teacher is at risk of losing his job due to the lobbying of pro-war supporters.

As parents, we want more teachers with values like Jason in our schools. 

As decent human beings, we thank him for his commitment to speaking out about the humanitarian catastrophe being created in Gaza by Israel.

In the face of the campaign to silence and sack Jason, NTEU Members for Palestine calls to

• End the harassment and victimisation of Palestine supporter and teacher, Jason Wong

•  End the victimisation of all workers expressing solidarity with Palestine.  

We encourage NTEU members to pass motions of solidarity with Jason and other victimised workers at their NTEU Branch Committees, Division Councils and National Councils, and all our other union comrades at the highest possible level within their unions, to tell the Education Minister what we think about his stance and complicity.

Viva Viva Palestina!

NTEU4P Naarm/Vic contingent of U4P